TURNBERRY: U.S. President Donald Trump has set a new deadline of 10 to 12 days for Russia to make significant progress in ending the war in Ukraine, warning of potential consequences if no progress is made. Trump’s comments reflect growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for over three years.
Trump has previously threatened sanctions on Russia and buyers of its exports if no advancements toward peace are seen. The updated deadline marks a shift in Trump’s stance, suggesting that he is prepared to follow through with these threats, after earlier hesitating to do so.
Speaking from Scotland, where he is meeting with European leaders and playing golf, Trump said, “I’m going to make a new deadline of about … 10 or 12 days from today,” noting that he was disappointed with Putin’s lack of action. He further emphasized that there was no point in waiting longer, as he saw no meaningful progress being made.
There was no immediate response from the Kremlin. However, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Putin, criticized Trump’s ultimatum, calling it a “game of ultimatums” that could potentially lead to a conflict involving the U.S. Medvedev warned that each new ultimatum was a step towards a war between the U.S. and Russia.
Ukraine welcomed Trump’s statement, with Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief of staff, thanking him for delivering a strong message in support of peace through strength.
Despite his tough rhetoric, Trump has expressed annoyance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and has not always acted decisively on his previous threats against Putin, citing the “good relationship” between the two leaders. On Monday, Trump indicated he was no longer interested in talks with Putin, suggesting that sanctions and tariffs would be imposed if Russia does not meet the demands within the set deadline.
Ukraine had proposed a summit between Putin and Zelenskyy by the end of August, but the Kremlin has indicated that such a meeting could only take place as a final step toward peace.
