Washington, D.C. — In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sharp reduction in the 50-day ultimatum he had given Russian President Vladimir Putin two weeks ago. The new window? Just 10 to 12 days for Moscow to halt its brutal military campaign in Ukraine or face sweeping economic retaliation.
“There is no reason to wait,” Trump declared during a press briefing in Scotland. “We simply do not perceive any advancements being made. Too many people are dying.”
Despite mounting international calls for peace, Russia launched its largest overnight assault in weeks, according to the Ukrainian Air Force—unleashing over 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles across Ukraine. Civilian casualties continue to rise, including in Kyiv, where a drone strike shattered a 25-story residential tower, wounding eight people, including a 4-year-old child.
Trump’s updated deadline indicates his growing frustration with Putin’s lack of action and his disappointment over the stalled peace process. Originally warning of “severe tariffs” by early September, Trump now expects negotiations to move forward by August 7–9. He also hinted at “secondary sanctions” targeting Russia’s economic partners.
An official announcement on the penalties is expected by Tuesday. Still, Trump expressed emotional conflict: “I don’t want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people—but this war must stop.”
At the same time, Trump made clear his patience with Putin is waning. “I’m disappointed in President Putin,” he said bluntly. When asked if a personal meeting with the Russian leader was likely, Trump replied, “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”
The Kremlin has yet to officially respond. However, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently warned against ultimatums, stating, “Russia isn’t Israel or Iran. Every directive brings us closer to conflict—not with Ukraine, but with the U.S.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine welcomed the shortened deadline as a sign of mounting pressure. Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Andrii Yermak praised Trump’s announcement, stating on Telegram, “Putin only understands strength. That has been communicated clearly and loudly.” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is said to support the move.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russian drone and missile attacks hit multiple regions. In Kropyvnytskyi, a strike triggered a fire though no injuries were reported. Western Ukraine’s Starokostiantyniv, a known military hub, was also targeted. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it hit a Ukrainian air base and ammunition depot holding missile stockpiles and drone parts.
As the war enters a critical phase, Trump’s deadline could mark a turning point in international response—or a prelude to even deeper conflict. For now, all eyes are on Moscow and whether the Kremlin will blink.
