U.S. President Donald Trump has shortened his ultimatum for Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a truce with Ukraine, setting a new deadline of 10 to 12 days from Monday.
Speaking in Scotland alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump signaled that the grace period would be cut short due to mounting frustration with Moscow’s inaction and intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Trump had initially declared a 50-day window on July 14, threatening severe economic sanctions if hostilities persisted.
However, with continued Russian drone and missile strikes and no progress toward negotiations, Trump now appears poised to act sooner. “There’s no reason to wait,” he told reporters. “If you know what the answer is.”
Trump’s revised strategy includes the threat of secondary sanctions, which are penalties on countries that continue trading with Russia, particularly buying its oil.
This could hit nations like India and China, both of whom are in sensitive trade negotiations with Washington. “We’re going to do secondary sanctions, unless we make a deal,” Trump warned, leaving room for potential diplomatic off-ramps.
Markets quickly responded to Trump’s declaration. Russia’s ruble fell over 2%, breaching 81 per dollar, its weakest level since May.
Meanwhile, oil prices rose amid fears that escalating U.S.-Russia tensions could disrupt global crude flows. Analysts say the initial 50-day deadline was perceived as too generous. “There’s always an instinct to cut Putin a bit of slack,” said Charles Lichfield of the Atlantic Council, but Trump’s shortening of the timeline may reflect growing impatience.
The Kremlin has not commented on Trump’s latest deadline. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy continues to call for enhanced air defense support.
In response, Germany and the U.S. are in advanced talks to deliver more Patriot systems to Ukraine.
Trump’s growing impatience with Putin contrasts with his earlier critiques of Zelenskiy, as hopes for a quick peace fade amid Russia’s territorial demands and refusal to engage in direct talks.
