Trump Sets 12-Day Deadline for Russia on Ukraine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump issued a new 10-12 day ultimatum to Russia to make visible progress in ending the Ukraine war. Speaking from Scotland, Trump expressed disappointment with President Vladimir Putin and warned of looming sanctions and tariffs. The Kremlin has yet to respond, as Trump signals no further dialogue with Moscow.
Trump Ukraine Deadline Quick Looks
- Trump shortens prior 50-day deadline to 10-12 days
- Ultimatum targets Russia’s lack of progress in ending Ukraine war
- Threatens sanctions and secondary tariffs if no change from Moscow
- Trump dismisses further talks with Vladimir Putin
- Kremlin has issued no official response
- Trump accuses Russia of attacks on civilians in Kyiv
- U.S. evaluating sanctions on buyers of Russian exports
- Trump says he still “loves the Russian people”
- Expresses frustration with both Putin and Zelenskiy
- Refers to prior peace efforts as repeatedly undermined
- Trump has claimed he could end war in 24 hours
Deep Look: Trump Ultimatum to Russia Sets Sharp Deadline on Ukraine War
Speaking during a diplomatic visit to Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significantly shortened deadline for Russia to demonstrate progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. In public remarks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump reduced his prior 50-day window to just 10 to 12 days, citing a lack of progress and growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“There’s no reason in waiting,” Trump said, expressing disappointment with Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. “We just don’t see any progress being made.”
The shift in tone and timetable signals a sharp pivot in Trump’s approach to the war, which has now dragged on for three and a half years with no peaceful resolution in sight. While Trump has long touted his ability to negotiate global peace, he made clear that Moscow would face punitive measures if no progress is evident in the coming days.
Sanctions and Tariffs on the Table
Trump made it clear that the U.S. is preparing to use economic penalties to pressure Russia into compliance. These may include both sanctions and secondary tariffs, which could be levied not only on Russian goods but also on foreign entities continuing to engage with the Russian economy.
“I don’t want to do that to Russia,” Trump said, adding, “I love the Russian people.” Still, he insisted that if Russia fails to act, the penalties would move forward swiftly.
The specific targets of these measures remain undefined, but analysts speculate they could affect energy exports, financial institutions, and high-tech sectors. Additionally, buyers of Russian commodities, such as oil and grain, could face penalties if the White House pursues a secondary sanctions strategy.
No Appetite for More Diplomacy with Putin
Trump’s remarks also made clear he is closing the door on further talks with Vladimir Putin—at least in the near term. Though Trump has frequently cited a “good relationship” with the Russian leader in the past, he appeared more skeptical than ever.
“I’m disappointed in President Putin,” Trump said bluntly. He accused Putin of undercutting peace efforts by continuing missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, specifically citing recent civilian casualties in Kyiv, including reports of fatalities at a nursing home following a Russian drone strike.
“We thought we had that settled numerous times,” Trump added. “And then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets… that’s not the way to do it.”
Longstanding Promises Meet Escalating Reality
Trump previously stated that he would be able to end the Ukraine conflict in 24 hours upon returning to the presidency. However, Monday’s remarks mark a shift from optimistic pledges to conditional enforcement.
Despite ongoing U.S. diplomatic and financial support for Ukraine, Trump has expressed discontent with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as well, though he stopped short of issuing similar ultimatums to Kyiv.
His administration is now said to be reviewing expanded sanctions packages, as well as potential trade restrictions that could involve Russian allies or neutral countries facilitating Moscow’s wartime economy.
Kremlin Silent, Ukraine Devastated
There has been no immediate comment from the Kremlin, though Russian state media continues to portray the conflict as defensive. In contrast, recent visuals from Ukraine show continued civilian infrastructure damage, including a drone strike that hit an apartment complex in Kyiv just hours before Trump’s press conference.
The lack of a Russian response underscores the growing diplomatic impasse, despite continued Western calls for negotiations.
Global Reaction and Political Implications
Trump’s new posture may be aimed in part at demonstrating leadership on global security issues, as he enters a critical stretch of his second term. While previously criticized for his softer tone toward authoritarian regimes, the new timeline appears designed to project urgency and resolve.
Some international observers note that the ultimatum might push Russia further into confrontation, while others argue that clear consequences could nudge Moscow to reconsider its strategy in Ukraine.
What remains clear is that the United States, under Trump, is entering a more combative phase of its foreign policy toward Russia, with major economic penalties on the horizon if the situation does not shift quickly.
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