Trump Sets 10–12 Day Deadline for Russia to Act on Ukraine Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a shortened deadline of 10 to 12 days for Russia to make meaningful progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking on Monday, Trump expressed growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing 3.5-year conflict.
Trump warned that without visible progress, the United States would move forward with sanctions targeting both Russia and countries that purchase its exports. His statement marks a shift from earlier hesitation and signals a firmer stance from the White House.
While visiting Scotland for meetings with European leaders, Trump addressed the media alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “There’s no reason in waiting… We just don’t see any progress being made,” Trump said, referencing a prior 50-day deadline he now considers too long.
The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reacted on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Trump’s approach. He described it as “a game of ultimatums” that could escalate into a broader war, possibly involving the U.S. itself. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war,” Medvedev warned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s tougher tone, calling it “particularly significant” in accelerating a peace settlement. He praised the U.S. president’s firm stance and urged continued pressure on Russia through sanctions.
“Russia pays attention to sanctions,” Zelensky stated in his nightly address, adding that economic pressure remains a “key element” in ending the conflict.
Despite expressing support for Ukraine, Trump has often spoken of his personal rapport with Putin. He has previously hesitated to follow up strong language with direct action, citing his past relationship with the Russian leader.
However, on Monday, Trump signaled a shift, stating that further talks with Putin were unlikely. If Russia fails to act, Trump said, new sanctions and possibly tariffs would follow.
“If you know what the answer is going to be, why wait?” Trump said. “It would be sanctions, maybe secondary tariffs. I don’t want to do that to Russia—I love the Russian people.”
Ukraine had proposed a peace summit between Zelensky and Putin before the end of August, but the Kremlin responded that such a meeting would only be feasible as a final step in peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry stated that the West must halt military support for Ukraine if it truly seeks peace.
Trump has expressed disappointment that Putin continues military operations despite U.S. diplomatic efforts. Highlighting his foreign policy achievements, Trump cited his role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan and helping foster peace in Rwanda and Congo.
He also criticized recent Russian strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine, saying: “That’s not the way to do it.”
Trump, who campaigned on a promise to end the war in Ukraine quickly, reiterated his belief that peace is still possible—but only if Russia acts within the new, shorter timeline.
