US President Donald Trump announced on Monday (28), that he is reducing the 50-day deadline he previously set for Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace deal in Ukraine.
Speaking alongside UK prime minister Keir Starmer at Trump’s golf resort in Scotland, Trump said the new deadline would be about 10 to 12 days from that Monday, targeting progress by early to mid-August. He expressed disappointment in Putin for the ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities, including strikes hitting civilian areas such as nursing homes.
Trump claimed that despite prior discussions where he thought a ceasefire was nearly agreed upon, Putin continued launching missile attacks on places like Kyiv, causing significant civilian casualties.
He stated, “We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever. And I say that's not the way to do it.”
The shortened timeline reflects Trump’s frustration with the lack of visible progress toward ending the three-and-a-half-year-long war, which has devastated Ukraine.
He reiterated his threat of “very severe” economic sanctions and additional tariffs on Russia and nations trading with it if a deal is not reached. When asked about the possibility of further talks with Putin, Trump indicated he was not interested, preferring to rely on punitive measures instead.
Trump acknowledged his previously more generous 50-day offer but said, “No reason in waiting… We just don’t see any progress being made.” He underscored the urgency by saying, “Putin’s got to make a deal. Too many people are dying.”
The announcement came amid continuing heavy Russian attacks. The Ukrainian air force reported an overnight barrage with over 300 drones and multiple missile strikes targeting key areas. Russian forces targeted military infrastructure and residential buildings, leading to injuries and damage.
Trump's remarks also stressed his prior personal communications with Putin and his belief that the Russian leader initially expressed interest in peace but failed to follow through. Despite his critical tone toward Putin, Trump voiced affection for the Russian people.
In summary, Trump shortened the peace deadline for Russia from 50 days to about 10-12 days, citing continued violence and little sign of agreement on a ceasefire in Ukraine. He conveyed frustration and disappointment with Putin's actions while maintaining threats of sanctions to pressure Moscow for peace. The move signals escalating US urgency to end the conflict even as diplomatic solutions remain elusive.
