Trump pressures Russia with new cease-fire deadline amid escalating attacks

On July 28, 2025, during a meeting in Scotland with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump announced a significant change in his approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated that he was reducing the deadline for Russia to agree to a cease-fire from 50 days to 10-12 days. This ultimatum came in light of previous remarks warning of 'very severe tariffs' against Russia if President Vladimir Putin did not comply. However, the response from the Kremlin was notably muted, with Putin's spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, acknowledging Trump's comments without further clarification. As tensions escalated, news reports indicated a fresh surge of attacks on Ukrainian cities, suggesting that Russia might be ready to disregard Trump's ultimatum. Analysts noted the Kremlin's silence could indicate its strategy to gauge Trump's intentions before taking any specific actions. Political experts remarked that Putin is likely waiting for a clear signal on how to proceed, especially given Trump's history of altering deadlines and his unpredictable nature. With rising stakes, many commentators pointed out that Trump's suggested tariffs on Russian goods might not have a significant impact due to the limited volume of Russia's exports to the United States. Secondary sanctions could, however, complicate relations with other countries like China and India, which continue to purchase Russian energy, potentially undermining the effectiveness of any sanctions. This dilemma reflects Trump's complex position of trying to exert pressure on Russia while maintaining relations with key global players that support Moscow. Additionally, former President Dmitri Medvedev—a prominent Russian political figure—advised Trump against engaging in a confrontational approach with Russia. This indicates the Kremlin’s determination to stand firm in its current strategy, regardless of Trump's demands. As events unfold, the future of the conflict in Ukraine remains uncertain, with many analysts believing that Putin is not inclined to agree to any cease-fire unless significant territorial aims are achieved, according to his understanding of Russian constitutional claims. The situation highlights a turbulent interaction between US diplomacy and Russian military action in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.