Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism on Wednesday (August 6) following a high-level meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, saying Russia appears “more inclined to a ceasefire.” The comments came as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine gathered fresh momentum.
Zelensky: “Pressure works” on Russia
In his address, as reported by Sky News, Zelensky said the recent talks may be influencing Moscow’s stance.
“It seems like Russia is more inclined to a ceasefire after today’s meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin,” he said.
“The pressure on them works. But the main thing is that they do not deceive us in the details—neither us nor the U.S.,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for vigilance in negotiations.
Call with Trump after Moscow talks
Zelensky also confirmed that he had spoken directly with US President Donald Trump following Witkoff’s meeting with Putin.
“I spoke with President Trump. This conversation happened after President Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow,” Zelensky wrote in a post on social media.
“European leaders were on the call, and I am grateful to each of them for their support,” he added, without naming which leaders joined the call.
Trump: “Great progress was made”
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump posted an update on Truth Social regarding the meeting between his envoy and Putin.
“Witkoff and President Putin had a highly productive meeting in Moscow. Great progress was made,” Trump wrote, signaling a positive tone from the US side.
While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, the statements from both Kyiv and Washington suggest a potential shift in tone from Moscow amid mounting international pressure and threats of new sanctions from the United States.