Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with (Trump’s) own country
U.S. President Donald Trump has dramatically shortened his ceasefire deadline for Russia to halt its full-scale war in Ukraine, cutting a previously announced 50-day window to just “10 or 12 days” as of July 28, 2025. He made the announcement while in Scotland, warning that failure to comply would bring severe sanctions—potentially including secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trading partners.
Trump voiced mounting frustration with President Vladimir Putin, saying, “I’m disappointed in President Putin… We just don’t see any progress being made… There’s no reason in waiting.” He added that he loves the Russian people but warned that “too many people are dying.”
Ukrainian officials welcomed the hardened U.S. stance. Andrii Yermak posted on Telegram: “Putin understands only strength—and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly,” while President Zelenskyy praised Trump’s “clear stance and expressed determination.”
Meanwhile, Russian officials rejected the ultimatum. Former President Dmitry Medvedev called it a “step towards war,” writing: “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with (Trump’s) own country.” Kremlin spokesmen offered no immediate comment.
Across Ukraine, violence continues unabated. Russian airstrikes overnight killed at least 22 people—17 in a prison strike and casualties across multiple cities—prompting Zelenskyy to demand stronger sanctions against Moscow.