US President Donald Trump escalated pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, announcing Monday a drastically shortened 10-to-12-day deadline for Russia to halt its war in Ukraine, replacing a previous 50-day ultimatum set on July 14. Speaking in Scotland alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed frustration over ongoing Russian attacks, including a barrage of over 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles that struck Ukrainian cities overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force.

“There’s no reason to wait,” Trump declared, citing a lack of progress in peace talks. He warned that failure to reach a ceasefire by August 7-9 could trigger severe sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russia and its trading partners, with a formal announcement expected Monday or Tuesday. “Too many people are dying,” he added, criticizing Putin for bombing civilians despite ceasefire discussions.

Trump, who once claimed he could end the conflict in 24 hours, expressed disappointment in Putin, stating, “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.” While noting his affection for the Russian people, he emphasized the mounting death toll on both sides. Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, praised Trump’s tough stance, saying on Telegram, “Putin understands only strength,” a sentiment echoed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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Recent Russian strikes targeted a Kyiv residential building, injuring eight, including a 4-year-old girl, and sparked a fire in Kropyvnytskyi, though no casualties were reported there. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its attack hit a Ukrainian air base and ammunition depot in Starokostiantyniv, western Ukraine, far from the front lines. Despite US-led peace efforts, the war, now in its fourth year since Russia’s 2022 invasion, shows no signs of abating.

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