Moscow Signals Readiness for Ceasefire: Zelensky, Trump, and Markets React to Diplomatic Breakthrough

The political landscape surrounding the Russia–Ukraine war has dramatically shifted following a series of phone calls between Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, and European leaders. According to the Ukrainian president, Moscow is now demonstrating a level of willingness to negotiate a ceasefire not seen since the onset of the full-scale conflict.

“It seems that Russia is now more inclined to agree to a ceasefire; the pressure is working. But the main thing is that they don’t deceive us — or the United States—over the details,” Zelensky emphasized in his evening address. He was commenting on discussions with Western partners and reflecting on recent talks between Vladimir Putin and Trump’s special envoy, Steven Witkoff, in Moscow.

The American president has also suggested that these diplomatic efforts are bearing fruit. “Today we had very good talks with President Putin. There’s a very good chance that a meeting will take place soon,” Donald Trump announced at a White House briefing, adding that he has already informed European leaders and Zelensky about his plans.

Trump stressed that he is open not only to direct talks with Putin but also to a potential trilateral summit with Zelensky — provided the parties can find common ground.

Details of a potential peace agreement remain undisclosed. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russia has, for the first time, transmitted “specific examples” of its conditions for ending the war through diplomatic channels.

Behind the scenes, it is understood that the focus is on territorial issues and finding a compromise between Moscow’s demands and Kyiv’s position. “Whenever you’re making a deal, there have to be concessions on all sides,” Rubio noted, emphasizing that the U.S. and its allies are waiting for Ukraine to develop a unified negotiating stance.

Financial markets reacted instantly to the prospect of diplomatic progress: the Moscow Exchange Index soared nearly 5%, hitting a two-month high, while shares of Russia’s largest companies rose sharply and the ruble strengthened against major world currencies.

Analysts attribute the rally to growing expectations of real movement on the Washington–Moscow–Kyiv axis.

Still, Kyiv remains cautious. Zelensky warns that any agreement must be completely transparent and legally sound: “The main thing is that we aren’t deceived in the details. Ukraine will undoubtedly defend its independence. We all need a long-lasting and reliable peace. Russia must end the war that it itself started.”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has issued Moscow a clear ultimatum: unless a ceasefire is reached by August 8, the U.S. will impose secondary sanctions against countries that continue to purchase Russian oil.

Trump said tariffs are already in effect on Russian oil imports to India, and similar measures may be extended to China and other nations. Secretary of State Rubio added that a decision on expanding sanctions will be made in the next 24–36 hours, “depending on how negotiations develop.”

Diplomatic channels remain open: the Kremlin and the White House are already working out the details of a possible face-to-face meeting between Putin and Trump, which could take place as soon as next week. Prospects for a trilateral summit with Zelensky are also being discussed.

According to Western media, the parties are currently selecting a venue, while U.S., Ukrainian, and European national security advisors are holding intensive consultations to develop a coordinated position.