U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would cut the 50-day deadline already given to Russian President Vladimir Putin to work out a ceasefire with Ukraine to 10 or 12 days from now.
The announcement was made during Trump's encounter with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Scots golf resort. Speaking to the media, Trump showed obvious discontent with Russia's actions. "I am disappointed in President Putin, very disappointed in him," he said.
Speaking on the revision of the deadline, Trump stated, "We're going to have to look, and I'm going to cut that 50 days that I gave him to a smaller number." He further stated, "I'm going to make a new deadline of about 10 or 12 days from today," indicating that an official announcement may be made "tonight or tomorrow." The president commented that there was no use waiting longer, particularly when "you know what the answer is," meaning Russia's ongoing aggression.
Days after, on July 14, Trump had originally given Russia 50 days—until September 2—to stop its military campaign or suffer severe repercussions. He threatened then that if an agreement for peace was not made, Washington would put Russia under drastic tariffs.
If we don't have a deal in 50 days, tariffs around 100 per cent," Trump had threatened. These would reportedly cover secondary sanctions on countries still doing business with Moscow.
In spite of the threat, Russia has increased its military operations against Ukraine. Russian forces conducted a record number of airstrikes last week, including a huge drone attack on July 9 that included 728 drones and left widespread destruction in residential areas and critical infrastructure.
On Monday morning, Ukraine was targeted by fierce Russian attacks again, with missiles and drones targeting throughout the country, leading to air raid warnings that were in place for almost six hours.
Before Trump had set the initial deadline, the two leaders had spoken on the phone earlier in July. During that telephone conversation, Putin informed Trump that Russia would not give up its strategic interests in Ukraine but was willing to hold diplomatic talks. "Russia will achieve its aims," Putin was quoted as saying.
Trump has publicly voiced his displeasure with Putin multiple times. In a recent interview with the BBC, he reiterated, “I’m disappointed but not done with the Russian counterpart.”
