Zelensky announces contacts "for real progress on the path to peace"

On Thursday, August 7, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a series of contacts scheduled "to make real progress on the path to peace." This is stated in his post in Telegram.

"Today is the day of many calls and contacts for real progress on the path to peace and guaranteeing Ukraine's independence under any circumstances," the head of state wrote.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to speak with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as representatives of France and Italy. According to him, there will also be communication at the level of advisers on national security.

The President added that on August 6, after a joint conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, he spoke separately with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Finnish leader Alexander Stubb.

He believes that it is important to discuss key details and listed priorities.

"The first thing is to stop the killing, and it is Russia that has to agree to a ceasefire. The second is a format for the leaders so that the meeting can work for a truly lasting peace. In Ukraine, we have repeatedly said that the search for real solutions can be really effective at the level of leaders. We need to determine the time for such a format and the range of issues. The third thing is the duration of security," the Head of State noted.

He added that this is possible together with the United States and Europe.

The President emphasized that Ukraine has never wanted war and will work for peace as productively as possible. The main thing is that Russia, which started this war, really takes steps to stop the aggression.

In his opinion, the world has leverage to put pressure on the aggressor and the ability to verify the fulfillment of promises. He thanked everyone who is determined to bring the war to a decent end.

• On August 6, Putin met with Vitkoff in Moscow. Trump says they "made great progress." After the meeting, Trump called Zelenskyy – they discussed what was voiced in Moscow.
• Zelenskyy said after the conversation that, it is clear that Russia is now more inclined to a ceasefire. He announced a meeting of security advisors from Ukraine and partners to determine a common position.
• Later, Trump said he sees "very good chances" of a trilateral meeting between him, Zelenskyy and Putin.