Former US President Donald Trump has shortened his deadline for Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine, warning of sweeping economic consequences if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to de-escalate the war within 10 to 12 days.
Trump, who had earlier given Putin until early September to make peace, said Monday that the window is now closing. “No reason in waiting,” Trump told reporters during a visit to Scotland. “We just don’t see any progress being made.”
Putin, he said, “has got to make a deal. Too many people are dying.” He added, “I’m disappointed in President Putin.”
The revised deadline means Trump expects meaningful steps toward peace between August 7 and 9. If not, he plans to impose “severe tariffs” on Russia and explore sanctions targeting Moscow’s trading partners. “The formal announcement would come later Monday or on Tuesday,” he said.
Though Trump signaled reluctance about punishing Russia saying “I don’t want to do that to Russia” and noting his affection for the Russian people he acknowledged the growing death toll. “So many Russians, and so many Ukrainians, are dying,” he said.
He also dismissed the idea of further dialogue with Putin, “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”
Ukrainian officials praised Trump’s firmer stance. “Putin understands only strength and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly,” said Andrii Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “We welcome the shortened deadline.”
Despite global calls for de-escalation, Russia’s overnight attacks continued. Ukraine’s air force reported more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles launched by Moscow.
In Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, a Russian drone strike shattered windows in a 25-story residential building, injuring eight people, including a 4-year-old girl, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city’s military administration.
A separate strike in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, ignited a fire, though no injuries were reported. The main target, Ukraine’s air force said, was Starokostiantyniv in the western Khmelnytskyi region, home to Ukrainian air bases and weapons depots. No casualties or damage were reported there.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its long-range air-launched weapons hit a Ukrainian air base and an ammunition depot containing drone components and missiles.
There has been no official response from Moscow regarding Trump’s new ultimatum.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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