Trump Shortens Russia’s 50-Day Ukraine War Deadline.
This marks a significant shift in Trump’s approach, as he sets a 50-day window for Russia to negotiate a resolution. The former president emphasized his commitment to ending the conflict swiftly, stating that economic pressure through tariffs would be his key strategy to push Moscow toward a peace settlement.
Trump Shortens Russia War Deadline, Says ‘No Reason in Waiting’ Amid Escalating Attacks
Edinburgh — In a dramatic shift from his earlier stance, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday gave Russian President Vladimir Putin just 10 to 12 days to end the ongoing war in Ukraine — sharply reducing the 50-day deadline he had issued two weeks ago.
The decision comes as Russia continues its relentless bombardment of Ukrainian cities, launching a massive overnight assault involving more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force. Despite earlier pressure from the former U.S. president and broader Western efforts to broker peace, the violence has only intensified.
“No reason in waiting,” he said bluntly, explaining the shortened timeline. “Too many people are dying. He’s got to make a deal.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has spoken out against the war. Back on July 14, he warned of “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace deal was reached by early September. However, on Monday, he accelerated that timetable significantly, saying peace talks need to show meaningful progress between August 7 and 9.
In a sign that the pressure campaign could escalate further, Trump hinted that the new strategy may include not just tariffs on Russia, but also sanctions and secondary tariffs aimed at nations continuing to trade with Moscow.
While he was critical of President Putin for saying he wanted peace but continuing to strike civilian areas in Ukraine, Trump stopped short of embracing punitive measures outright.
“I’m disappointed in President Putin,” he said. “And I say, that’s not the way to do it.” When asked whether he would consider meeting with the Russian leader to discuss peace, Trump offered a firm response: “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”
Still, he hesitated at the idea of unleashing full-scale penalties. “I don’t want to do that to Russia,” he said softly, adding, “I love the Russian people.” He emphasized that it’s not only Ukrainians suffering in the war, but also ordinary Russians who are paying the price. “A lot of them are dying too.”
Trump’s remarks came as Ukraine’s western regions — far from the front lines — were struck overnight by Russian long-range, air-launched weapons. The Russian Defense Ministry later confirmed the attack, saying it targeted a Ukrainian air base as well as an ammunition depot holding missiles and drone components.
The Ukrainian military maintains a number of strategic assets in the western part of the country, including key airfields and logistics depots. Despite being geographically distant from the most intense battles in eastern Ukraine, western regions have not been spared, raising fresh fears about the war’s expanding reach.
His comments mark a noticeable evolution in tone — from promises of a quick resolution to expressions of frustration over Putin’s actions.
In Washington, reactions to Trump’s statements were mixed. Some praised the urgency behind his warning, arguing that escalating pressure might finally bring Putin to the negotiating table. Others expressed concern that threatening tariffs could complicate delicate diplomacy or punish innocent civilians further.
But for Trump, the message seemed clear: the time for patience is over. “We can’t let this keep going,” he said. “It’s not just about politics. It’s about people — kids, families, soldiers — all being torn apart by something that could’ve ended long ago.”
There has been no official response from the Kremlin as of Monday night.
As the war nears its third year, Ukrainians continue to brace for further attacks while hoping international pressure can help force a breakthrough. Whether Trump’s ultimatum alters Putin’s calculations remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: the clock is ticking.