Trump warns Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire within 12 days or face harsh tariffs. Zelensky calls it a crucial intervention for peace.
Trump Sets 12-Day Ceasefire Deadline for Russia
In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic pressure, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin: agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days, or face severe economic consequences. The announcement came during a news conference in Scotland on Monday, where Trump criticized the lack of progress toward ending the war.
Shortened Timeline Aims to Accelerate Peace
Trump’s revised deadline marks a significant tightening of his earlier demand, which gave Russia 50 days to halt its full-scale invasion. Citing the ongoing missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, Trump declared that “there’s no reason to wait any longer.” He warned that if Russia refuses to comply, sweeping sanctions and secondary tariffs would follow—measures that could economically isolate Moscow and its trading partners.
Zelensky Welcomes Stronger U.S. Position
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the statement, calling Trump’s firm stance “extremely significant.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky praised the U.S. leader’s “clear stance and determination” to save lives and stop the war. Ukrainian officials, including chief of staff Andriy Yermak, echoed the sentiment, stating that Putin “respects only power.”
Trump Threatens Trade Penalties
Trump reiterated his plan to impose a 100% tariff on countries that continue trading with Russia if no ceasefire is reached. These tariffs would render Russian goods prohibitively expensive, potentially collapsing key trade relationships and further straining Russia’s wartime economy. Trump insisted that this approach would make Russian exports uncompetitive and deter allies from continuing economic cooperation with Moscow.
Kremlin Pushback and Uncertainty in Moscow
The Kremlin has yet to issue a direct response to the shortened deadline. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the initial 50-day warning “serious” but noted that Russia needed time to analyze it. Russian MP Andrey Gurulyov dismissed Trump’s latest warning, claiming that such ultimatums “don’t work anymore”—neither on the front lines nor in Moscow. He insisted that Russia would rely on its “weapons, principles, and will.”
War Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
The announcement comes amid escalating violence in Ukraine. Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones while pushing forward with its summer offensive in the eastern regions. Despite multiple ceasefire discussions mediated by Turkey, no significant agreements have been reached. Analysts warn that the two nations remain far apart on critical terms. Russia’s demands—including Ukraine’s military neutrality and NATO withdrawal—remain non-negotiable for Kyiv and its Western allies.
Ceasefire Prospects Remain Unclear
With more than three years of war behind them, and a hardened stance on both sides, experts question whether a ceasefire can be achieved in less than two weeks. Still, Trump’s ultimatum has reignited diplomatic discourse and shifted global attention back to the urgency of ending the war. Whether this pressure yields results—or further hardens resistance—will unfold in the days ahead.
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