Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on 5 August, discussing recent Russian strikes, potential new sanctions on Moscow and additional Western weapons for Kyiv. A day later, multiple U.S. media outlets reported that Trump planned a second call with Zelensky after Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s three-hour meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow; Axios later said the call was under way. Speaking in Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he had conferred with Witkoff and told reporters he expected to announce a decision on Russia sanctions later on Wednesday, adding the outcome could be “positive, maybe not.” The administration has given the Kremlin until Friday to show tangible progress toward a Ukraine cease-fire or face tougher measures. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the Witkoff-Putin talks as “useful and constructive” but declined to elaborate until Witkoff briefs the White House. Investors kept the rouble near ₽80 to the dollar as they awaited clarity on whether Washington will escalate economic pressure on Russia.