Ukraine builds 'new circumstances' to push Russia toward diplomacy, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday, August 4, that Ukraine maintains daily contact with representatives of US President Donald Trump and is working to create "new circumstances" to persuade Russia to engage in diplomacy. Zelensky stated in his evening address that conditions for starting real diplomacy were discussed during a meeting in Washington, and Ukraine is implementing those agreements. He said negotiators, including office head Kyrylo Budanov, new foreign intelligence chief Rustem Umerov, and others, reported on the negotiation process and Moscow's stance. Zelensky expressed hope that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be active in August. Zelensky noted ongoing work with partners in the Gulf region to support Ukraine's diplomatic and security needs, though details remain non-public. On July 22, he discussed diplomatic ideas with Trump's envoys, and on July 30, reports emerged that Witkoff and Kushner may visit Kyiv in late August for Ukraine's 35th Independence Day anniversary.