Credited from: ABCNEWS
US President Donald Trump has set a new deadline of "10 days from today" for Russia to end its military actions in Ukraine, warning of potential sanctions if no progress is made. This announcement came aboard Air Force One as Trump returned from meetings in Scotland, where he expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its fourth year. "There's no reason in waiting. We just don't see any progress being made," Trump stated, echoing his disappointment in Putin's continued assaults on Ukrainian cities, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, and India Times.
During his address, Trump emphasized that there would be sanctions imposed on Russia and potentially secondary tariffs applied to nations that continue to trade with Moscow. If no action is taken by the Kremlin by August 8, the US will implement these tariffs as a form of pressure on Russia to comply with ceasefire demands. Previously, Trump had issued a longer 50-day deadline, which he later deemed impractical, as reports of continued violence and attacks on civilians emerged, according to Channel News Asia, ABC News, and CBS News.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump's ultimatum, describing it as a timely and crucial development in the push for peace. "Clear stance and expressed determination by @POTUS – right on time, when a lot can change through strength for real peace," he commented on social media, emphasizing the need for a firmer response to Russian aggression. This sentiment was echoed by Ukrainian officials who assert that sanctions could significantly impact Russia's military capabilities and willingness to negotiate, as reported by TRT Global and Dawn.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed Trump's threats as routine governmental operations. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Russia has long adapted to sanctions and is focused on achieving its strategic goals in Ukraine. He stated that the threats posed by Trump will not alter Russia's resolve or tactics but acknowledged observing developments surrounding the proposed US actions. This ongoing exchange underscores the heightened tensions between the US and Russia amid the ongoing conflict that continues to take a heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians, according to Reuters, ABC News, and Dawn.