President Donald Trump announced that he is moving up a previously set 50-day deadline for Russia to halt its war in Ukraine, now giving Moscow just 10 to 12 days to act or face severe new economic penalties. Speaking from Scotland during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin and emphasized that the situation was showing “no progress.”
“I don’t see the point in waiting,” Trump said, explaining his decision to tighten the timeframe. The revised ultimatum, he added, was necessary due to Russia’s continued military aggression and lack of willingness to negotiate.
If Russia fails to comply, Trump warned that the U.S. would introduce a fresh round of sanctions and possibly implement new tariffs — including secondary tariffs that could impact countries trading with Russia, such as China and India. While earlier in his term the Trump administration had excluded Russia from certain tariff measures, this would mark a significant shift in strategy.
Trump had initially indicated a softer stance toward Moscow. However, pressure from NATO allies and intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities appear to have shifted his position in recent weeks. He now speaks in much firmer terms about the need for a resolution and is prepared to act economically to force Moscow’s hand.
Earlier this year, Trump was criticized for withholding military aid to Ukraine and for comments that appeared to support Putin over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, in April, the U.S. and Ukraine reached a key agreement on mineral resource sharing, which seems to have coincided with a shift in Trump’s tone.
Since then, Trump has vowed to resume weapons deliveries to Ukraine and has been more vocal in his criticism of the Kremlin’s actions. His recent remarks underline a notable departure from his initial approach to the war.
Ukrainian leaders were quick to respond positively. Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, praised Trump’s updated timeline, describing it as a sign of a “peace through strength” strategy.
Meanwhile, Moscow has largely dismissed Trump’s earlier 50-day ultimatum, citing past U.S. threats that were not enforced. According to sources close to the Kremlin, Putin remains committed to pursuing military gains and is unlikely to consider halting the offensive without major concessions from Ukraine.
Despite recent diplomatic praise from Russian officials, Trump’s latest statements reflect increasing irritation with Putin’s unwillingness to compromise. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the Trump administration’s stance “reasonable” and said it was open to dialogue.
Still, Trump’s remarks on Monday showed a shift. “Russia could be thriving,” he said. “Instead, they’re throwing everything into war and destruction. It just doesn’t make sense to me.” He concluded by expressing disbelief that Putin wasn’t looking to end the conflict more swiftly.
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