In a significant statement made during his visit to Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is granting Russian President Vladimir Putin a new timeline of 10 to 12 days to halt the ongoing violence in Ukraine. This deadline is a reduction from the 50-day ultimatum he previously set just two weeks ago. The announcement comes amidst continued aggression from Russia, which reportedly launched an overnight assault involving over 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles, wreaking havoc on Ukrainian cities.
Despite Trump’s pressing for a resolution, U.S.-led peace efforts have struggled to gain traction. On July 14, Trump had indicated that he would impose “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace agreement was reached by early September. However, after observing the lack of progress, Trump has now adjusted his expectations, aiming for significant movement in peace negotiations by August 7-9. The proposed plan may also include new sanctions and secondary tariffs aimed at Russia’s trade partners.
“No reason in waiting,” Trump stated regarding the compressed timeline, expressing his frustration with the lack of advancements in peace talks. He emphasized the urgent need for Putin to engage in negotiations, remarking, “Too many people are dying.” Trump could not hide his disappointment in Putin, criticizing him for discussing an end to the war while continuing to launch attacks on Ukrainian civilians. “That’s not the way to do it,” he asserted, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
When pressed about a potential meeting with Putin, Trump expressed a lack of interest in dialogue at this juncture, stating, “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.” Nonetheless, he conveyed some hesitation about imposing sanctions on Russia, expressing his affection for the Russian people. “I don’t want to do that to Russia,” he remarked, although he acknowledged the devastating toll the war has taken on both Russians and Ukrainians.
In response to Trump’s announcement, Ukrainian officials have urged Western nations to adopt a firmer stance against Putin. Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, expressed gratitude to Trump for the shortened deadline, stating, “Putin understands only strength — and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a strong international response.
Recent attacks in Ukraine underscore the ongoing danger to civilians. A Russian drone strike shattered windows in a 25-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv, injuring eight individuals, including a 4-year-old girl. Additionally, a fire ignited in Kropyvnytskyi, though no injuries were reported from that incident. The primary target of the latest Russian attacks was identified as Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region, although local authorities reported no damage or casualties there. The Ukrainian military, believed to be well-equipped in western regions, remains on high alert as the conflict continues.
Reporting from Kyiv, Associated Press journalist Illia Novikov contributed to this article, shedding light on the ongoing situation in Ukraine amidst international efforts for peace.
