US President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated pressure on Moscow by slashing his previous 50-day deadline for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal to just 10-12 days, warning of severe consequences if no agreement is reached. The abrupt move came during Trump's UK visit, where he told reporters he was "very disappointed" in Vladimir Putin's lack of progress toward ending the 18-month conflict.
Russian officials immediately condemned what they called American "ultimatum diplomacy," with Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev warning the shortened timeline represents "a direct step toward war between our nations." The fiery rhetoric follows Trump's July 14 threat to impose 100% tariffs on Russian exports and secondary sanctions unless Moscow complies with Washington's terms.
The hardening American position emerges as ceasefire talks remain deadlocked. While Russia and Ukraine made minor progress on prisoner exchanges during July 23 negotiations in Istanbul, core disputes over Ukraine's NATO aspirations and territorial concessions continue to block any comprehensive settlement. Kremlin officials have repeatedly stated they consider external deadlines unacceptable, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova today reiterating that "the special military operation will continue until all objectives are achieved."
European allies expressed cautious support for Trump's tougher stance, though some diplomats privately worry the compressed timeline could backfire. "This either forces Putin to the table or justifies massive new Western sanctions," said one NATO official speaking on condition of anonymity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the American president's "decisiveness," but military analysts note Russia appears to be digging in rather than preparing for concessions, with recent troop buildups reported near Kharkiv.
The confrontation marks a sharp turn in Trump's Ukraine policy. After campaigning on promises to quickly resolve the conflict, his administration had taken a largely hands-off approach since January. With the new ultimatum expiring in mid-August, global markets are bracing for potential economic shocks should the U.S. follow through on its tariff threats against one of the world's major energy and commodity exporters.
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