U.S. President Donald Trump says he will shorten the cease-fire deadline given to Russian President Vladimir Putin to 10 to 12 days amid growing frustration over Russia's continue bombardment of Ukraine and lack of progress toward peace.
Speaking to journalists in in Turnberry, Scotland on July 28, Trump said he is "very disappointed" with Putin and that he "doesn't need to wait" for the end of the initial 50-day deadline he gave for the two sides earlier this month if Moscow doesn’t reach a peace deal with Kyiv.
“I’m going to make a new deadline for about 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump told reporters as he met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“When you deal with someone long enough, you know what they’re going to do — or not do,” he said. “I gave him [Putin] a chance. He’s not taking it.”
While announcing the original 50-day deadline on July 14, Trump threatened to impose “very severe tariffs” on Russia and also suggested the possibility of targeting countries that purchase Russian energy exports. Announcing the new, shorter deadline, Trump said, “Maybe we’ll still make a deal with Russia, but it’s very late in the process.”
Last Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump is “losing patience” with Moscow and “losing the desire to continue waiting,” hinting at potential serious consequences.
Ukraine welcomed Trump’s remarks. Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, wrote on Telegram:
“We thank President of the United States Donald Trump for his firm position and a clear signal -- peace through strength," Yermak said.
"President Trump stated that he is shortening the deadline he gave Putin to end the war because he believes the answer is obvious. Putin understands only strength, and that message has now been delivered clearly and loudly. This is a principle fully shared by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
Russia has yet to officially comment on Trump's latest statement.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations met on July 23 for peace talks, the third round in a series of negotiations that began on May 16 but made little progress.
