Photo Credit: Getty Images
President Donald Trump has reduced the timeline for a Ukraine ceasefire, warning Russia that it now has just 10 to 12 days, not 50, to stop its invasion or face sweeping economic retaliation. The move, announced during a press event in Scotland alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscores Trump's growing frustration with Vladimir Putin's ongoing aggression.
Just weeks ago, Trump gave Russia a 50-day deadline, threatening harsh tariffs if the war persisted. On Monday, however, he changed course, stating, "We just don't see any progress being made," and cited continued missile attacks on Ukrainian cities as proof. "Bodies lie in the streets, and I say that's not the way to do it," Trump said, visibly frustrated, adding, "I'm disappointed in President Putin."
The revised warning, now centered around early August, includes not only direct sanctions on Moscow, but 100% secondary tariffs targeting any nation trading with Russia. Trump argued that such tariffs would make Russian goods unaffordable globally, punishing both Russia and its trade allies.
The Kremlin, for its part, has not officially responded. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously called Trump's earlier threats "serious," but insisted time was needed to assess them. Russian lawmaker Andrey Gurulyov dismissed the pressure entirely, saying, "Trump's ultimatums don't work anymore... not in Moscow, not on the front line."
Ukraine welcomed the escalation. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelensky, praised Trump for "sending a message of peace through strength," asserting that "Putin only respects power."
Despite three rounds of talks, including Turkey-hosted negotiations and prisoner swaps, no progress has been made toward a lasting ceasefire. Russia's demands neutrality from Ukraine, NATO withdrawal, and demilitarization, remain off the table for Kyiv.
