LONDON — In a significant escalation of diplomatic pressure, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would shorten the deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict from 50 days to approximately 10 or 12 days from the date of his announcement.
During a press conference in the U.K., Trump expressed his disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “I’m disappointed in President Putin, very disappointed in him.”
He emphasized the need for urgency, saying, “I’m going to make a new deadline of about 10 or 12 days from today. There’s no reason in waiting.”
Trump’s comments reflect growing frustration within the White House as the conflict rages on, with Moscow intensifying its long-range strikes on Ukrainian cities while continuing to evade ceasefire proposals.
Earlier this month, Trump had set a 50-day negotiation window for Russia to accept a ceasefire, warning that failure to comply would lead to punitive economic measures, including secondary sanctions on countries conducting business with Moscow.
Both the United States and Ukraine are advocating for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire as a precursor to potential peace negotiations.
However, the Kremlin has insisted that negotiations can only occur if Ukraine makes significant concessions, including demilitarization and a withdrawal from frontline territories, as well as abandoning its aspirations for NATO membership.
Ukrainian leaders have welcomed Trump’s announcement, perceiving it as timely and indicative of a strong commitment to end the conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to X to express gratitude, stating, “Clear stance and expressed determination by POTUS — right on time, when a lot can change through strength for real peace. I thank President Trump for his focus on saving lives and stopping this horrible war.”
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace and collaboration with the U.S. to ensure both nations’ safety and prosperity.
Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, also thanked Trump on Telegram, underscoring his belief that “Putin only understands strength — and this has been communicated clearly and loudly.”
The Kremlin, however, reacted cautiously to Trump’s ultimatum.
Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Trump’s statement but refrained from providing any substantial commentary on it.
Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, criticized Trump’s ultimatum as a potentially dangerous escalation, warning, “Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10. He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”
Despite diplomatic tensions, military confrontations have persisted.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces shot down 74 Ukrainian drones overnight.
In contrast, the Ukrainian air force confirmed that Russia launched a total of 37 drones and two missiles into Ukraine, with 32 of the drones being intercepted or suppressed.
As strikes continued, a Russian airstrike on a correctional facility in the frontline Zaporizhzhia Oblast resulted in fatalities, according to the Justice Ministry, which reported at least 17 deaths and 42 injuries.
Yermak condemned the attack as another example of a war crime by Russian forces, writing on X, “This is another war crime by the Russians, who will not stop unless they are stopped.”
President Zelenskyy reported that 22 individuals lost their lives due to Russian strikes on Ukraine within the span of the previous 24 hours, stating, “Every killing of our people by the Russians, every Russian strike, when a ceasefire could have long been in place if Russia had not refused, all this indicates that Moscow deserves very harsh, truly painful and therefore fair and effective sanctions pressure.”
This confluence of events underscores the pressing urgency for diplomatic resolution amid ongoing violence and suffering in Ukraine.
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