US President Donald Trump has issued a potential two-week deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating a different response may be forthcoming if he believes Putin is merely stalling. This statement comes as the Kremlin intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, prompting Trump to address the situation during a press briefing in the Oval Office.
When asked whether he thought Putin was interested in ending the ongoing war, Trump stated, “I can't tell you that, but I'll let you know in about two weeks.” This remark reflects Trump's increasing frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and follows a series of critical comments he has made about Putin in recent days.
Since Sunday, Trump has taken to social media to express his concerns, describing Putin as having gone “absolutely crazy” and “playing with fire” amid a surge in Russian attacks on Ukraine. The bombardments, particularly in Kyiv, have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 13 people killed and many others injured, including children. Reports indicate that these attacks are among the largest and deadliest since the conflict began nearly four years ago, and by midweek, there were no signs of the violence abating.
Trump's comments suggest a growing impatience with the situation. He noted, “Within two weeks, we're gonna find out whether or not (Putin is) tapping us along or not. And if he is, we'll respond a little bit differently.” This statement underscores the frustration felt by many in the US government as diplomatic efforts seem increasingly futile.
Recently, Trump engaged in a two-hour phone call with Putin, after which he reported that the discussions went well. Putin, however, later indicated he was prepared to work with Ukraine on a memorandum regarding a potential peace agreement. This call took place just one week before Russia launched a significant number of drones and missiles targeting Ukraine's capital, indicating a stark contrast between diplomatic dialogue and military action.
Despite Trump's threats, Moscow has not shown significant concern, and previous warnings from Trump have yet to result in any tangible concessions from Russia. Since taking office, Trump has primarily called for a truce between the two nations, including a controversial eight-day suspension of US military assistance to Ukraine.
The Biden administration has not publicly demanded any substantial concessions from Russia, maintaining that all sanctions imposed during Biden's presidency remain in effect. However, critics argue that the administration's mediation efforts have ultimately empowered the Kremlin rather than curtailed its aggression. Following the latest Russian attacks, Trump remarked on social media that “something has happened to Putin,” a comment the Kremlin attributed to emotional overload.
As tensions rise, Trump's criticism of Putin has intensified. He stated that Putin is “playing with fire” and suggested that Russia would face severe consequences were it not for his involvement. In response, a Kremlin aide claimed that Trump lacks a full understanding of the situation, implying that he is unaware of the frequent attacks on peaceful Russian cities attributed to Ukraine.
In light of the ongoing conflict, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Berlin's commitment to assist in producing long-range missiles for Ukraine's defense. The Kremlin has warned that lifting restrictions on missile range would jeopardize any progress toward a political resolution.
Trump has gradually softened his demands, shifting from an immediate call for a 30-day ceasefire—which only Ukraine accepted—to advocating for a summit with Putin that he believes could yield breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Russia's demands have escalated, with calls for Ukraine to relinquish parts of its territory not currently occupied and for the US to recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
The war has had devastating consequences, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and significant destruction across eastern and southern Ukraine. Currently, Russia controls approximately one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. Zelensky has accused Moscow of stalling the peace process, emphasizing that the promised memorandum outlining peace terms following discussions in Istanbul has yet to materialize. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has asserted that the document is nearing completion, but the path to peace remains uncertain.
