Scotland, July 29, 2025 – Africa Live News -U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a fresh 12-day deadline to Russian President Vladimir Putin to broker a peace agreement with Ukraine, warning that further delays could result in tough economic consequences for Moscow.
During a press briefing held Monday in Scotland, Trump criticized the lack of progress since he initially set a 50-day deadline two weeks ago, expressing frustration at the ongoing violence despite diplomatic overtures.
“I want to be generous, but we just don’t see any progress being made,” Trump declared. “There’s no reason to keep waiting if they’re not ready to come to the table in good faith.”
No More Patience
The former and current U.S. president, who returned to the White House after the 2024 elections, made it clear that his patience with the Kremlin is wearing thin. Trump threatened new rounds of sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russia should the conflict continue beyond the revised deadline.
He denounced Putin’s apparent double-standard, accusing the Russian leader of publicly discussing peace while simultaneously escalating attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
“And I say, that’s not the way to do it,” Trump said pointedly. “I’m disappointed in President Putin.”
“Not So Interested in Talking Anymore”
When asked about the possibility of meeting with Putin to facilitate a resolution, Trump appeared uninterested.
“I’m not so interested in talking anymore,” he said curtly. “We’ve done enough talking. What we need now is real action.”
His comments mark a sharp shift in tone from earlier efforts to maintain open dialogue with the Kremlin. The latest remarks suggest that Trump is positioning himself to take a more hardline stance if Russia fails to comply.
Zelenskyy Welcomes Trump’s Tough Stance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded swiftly, praising Trump’s clarity and resolve.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy said, “President Trump has shown a clear stance and expressed determination. Ukraine welcomes the leadership that prioritizes peace and justice.”
The Ukrainian leader has consistently sought international backing, especially from the United States, as the war continues to take a heavy toll on civilian lives and national infrastructure.
Reluctance Over Full Sanctions
Despite his warning of sanctions, Trump admitted to some internal conflict over imposing broader penalties on Russia, citing his personal admiration for the Russian people.
“I don’t want to do that to Russia,” he said, “but people are dying on both sides. Russian mothers and Ukrainian mothers are losing their children. We cannot allow this to go on endlessly.”
His comments reflect an attempt to strike a balance between applying pressure on the Russian government and showing compassion for the population at large.
Escalation on the Ground
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire.
According to a statement released by Ukraine’s Air Force on Monday, Russian forces launched a massive overnight assault, deploying over 300 Iranian-made Shahed drones and seven missiles across various regions of Ukraine.
At least eight people were injured in the latest wave of attacks, including five civilians in the capital, Kyiv. Among the injured was a two-year-old girl, whose condition is said to be stable.
Local authorities confirmed significant damage to residential areas, emergency shelters, and power facilities.
Analysts Warn of Dangerous Impasse
International analysts have warned that failure to reach a peace agreement within the next 12 days could push the conflict into even deadlier territory.
Dr. Larissa Koenig, a political scientist at the Geneva Centre for Strategic Peace Studies, said Trump’s deadline could create pressure but also spark unpredictable reactions from the Kremlin.
“Deadlines are a double-edged sword. They can galvanize efforts toward peace or lead to last-minute escalations,” she told Africa Live News. “We’re entering a critical phase where diplomacy, deterrence, and dialogue must all work hand-in-hand.”
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The United Nations reports that the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. Over 12 million people are currently displaced, with nearly 4 million residing in temporary shelters or camps across Eastern Europe.
The World Health Organization has flagged shortages of medical supplies in eastern Ukraine, especially in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk, where recent attacks have destroyed hospitals and disrupted emergency care systems.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement calling on all parties to “work urgently and seriously toward peace,” emphasizing the need to protect civilians and uphold international law.
What Comes Next?
With just under two weeks left until the new deadline lapses, all eyes will be on Moscow’s next move.
Trump’s repositioning—from negotiation to warning—has dramatically shifted expectations in Washington and beyond. Whether the Kremlin sees the threat as a bluff or a genuine pivot in U.S. policy will likely determine the future of peace efforts in Eastern Europe.
For now, the international community waits—watching the clock and hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough before the conflict escalates further.
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