EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a new deadline of 10 to 12 days to cease hostilities in Ukraine. This shortened timeline comes after Trump previously set a 50-day deadline for a peaceful resolution two weeks ago.
The Ukrainian air force reported a significant Russian escalation, with an overnight strike involving more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles. This bombardment of Ukrainian cities continues, undeterred by Trump's insistence for an end to hostilities. In addition, U.S.-led peace efforts have not gained the required momentum to elicit a change in the situation on the ground.
On July 14, Trump had warned that he would implement “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace deal was reached by early September. Now, he aims to expedite those efforts, suggesting that he wants progress made by August 7-9. The proposed plan may include sanctions as well as secondary tariffs targeting Russia's trading partners. A formal announcement regarding these measures is expected on Monday or Tuesday.
Describing the need for urgency, Trump stated, “No reason in waiting.” He expressed concern over the absence of progress in peace negotiations. Trump emphasized that Putin “got to make a deal,” highlighting the deep humanitarian crisis as “too many people are dying.”
While in Scotland, Trump reiterated his discontent with Putin for discussing peace while continuing attacks on Ukrainian civilians, stating, “And I say, that’s not the way to do it.” He conveyed disappointment in the Russian leader's actions. When asked about the possibility of meeting with Putin, Trump indicated a lack of interest in further discussions, suggesting frustration with the current state of affairs.
Despite the tough rhetoric towards the Kremlin, Trump also exhibited reluctance to impose penalties, expressing his fondness for the Russian people and stating, “I don’t want to do that to Russia.” However, he acknowledged the tragic loss of life among both Russians and Ukrainians due to the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine has been urging Western nations to take a firmer stance against Putin. Ukrainian presidential office head Andrii Yermak thanked Trump for reducing the deadline, asserting, “Putin understands only strength — and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly.” Yermak noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares this perspective.
In related developments, a Russian drone strike caused significant damage in Kyiv, blowing out windows in a 25-story residential building and injuring eight people, including a child. In another attack in Kropyvnytskyi, a fire broke out due to a drone strike, but no injuries were reported. Starokostiantyniv, located in the Khmelnytskyi region, was reported as the main target of Russian attacks, though local authorities indicated no damage or casualties from strikes in that area.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed its military operations, detailing an overnight strike with long-range, air-launched weapons that targeted a Ukrainian airbase along with an ammunition depot containing missiles and drone production components.
