US President Donald Trump has delivered a fresh ultimatum, granting Russia “10 to 12 days” to halt its war in Ukraine or face stringent new sanctions and tariffs from the United States.
During a July 28 discussion in Scotland with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump voiced growing irritation with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to reduce hostilities, declaring, “I’m going to make a new deadline of about ten or twelve days from today. There’s no reason in waiting.”
The president indicated he would formally announce the updated deadline by July 29, drastically shortening the original 50-day period he set on July 14, which was initially due to end on September 2.
“I want to be generous, but we just don’t see any progress being made,” Trump said. “It would be sanctions and maybe tariffs – secondary tariffs.”
Trump cautioned that if Putin fails to pursue a ceasefire by the new deadline, the U.S. will impose penalties not only on Russia but also on nations conducting business with it.
“He’s got to make a deal,” Trump said. “Too many people are dying. It’s a really bloody war.”
At the start of his second term, Trump attributed equal responsibility to both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the conflict, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, in recent weeks, Trump has directed his criticism exclusively at Putin.
The president accused the Russian leader of feigning interest in peace negotiations privately, only to follow through with missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities.
“You would think, based on common sense, that he would want to make a deal,” Trump said. “We’ll find out.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli