Deadline for Putin to seal Ukraine deal within 10-12 days set by Trump
In mid-July 2025, US President Donald Trump imposed a 50-day ultimatum on Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine or face severe tariffs and sanctions. This deadline was later shortened to 10 to 12 days, ending in early August, as Trump expressed frustration with Putin's lack of cooperation and Russia's continued military actions in Ukraine.
The primary reason behind these deadlines was Trump's goal to push Putin toward negotiating a ceasefire to end the conflict, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022. Trump's deadlines were also part of attempts to revive peace talks, including meetings between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin in Moscow, and plans for a potential face-to-face meeting among Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—a meeting Trump conditioned on Putin agreeing to talks.
Trump's deadlines and threats of sanctions aimed to pressure Putin by signalling consequences if progress towards peace was not made, while also reflecting Trump's increasing disappointment in Putin's unwillingness to compromise. These deadlines were part of a broader context where Trump differentiated himself from President Joe Biden by aggressively pushing for negotiations, despite previous criticisms of Zelensky.
During the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump earned praise from Russian officials for confronting his Ukrainian counterpart. This meeting took place while Trump was meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his luxury golf course in Turnberry, Scotland. Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian presidential aide, stated that America leading with strength makes others think twice.
However, the Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded negotiations in Istanbul last week, agreeing to carry out another prisoner exchange, but no move towards peace was made. Anne Applebaum, a renowned journalist and historian, suggests that if peace is desired, Ukraine must be armed. Despite Trump's efforts, it remains to be seen if his deadlines will lead to a lasting peace in Ukraine.
[1] The New York Times. (2025, July 20). Trump Sets 50-Day Deadline for Putin on Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/20/world/europe/trump-putin-ukraine-deadline.html [2] CNN. (2025, July 25). Trump Shortens Deadline for Putin on Ukraine to 10-12 Days. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/25/politics/trump-putin-ukraine-deadline-shortened/index.html [3] BBC News. (2025, July 30). Trump Threatens New Sanctions on Russia over Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59131577 [4] The Washington Post. (2025, August 5). Zelensky Thanks Trump for Focus on Saving Lives and Stopping the War. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/05/zelensky-thanks-trump-focus-saving-lives-and-stopping-war/
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine have captured the attention of general-news media outlets, with the recently imposed deadlines by US President Donald Trump on Russian President Vladimir Putin causing a significant stir in both American politics and the international media.
- As the deadlines for a ceasefire in Ukraine approach, the media has been abuzz with speculation about the possible outcomes of the planned meeting between Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—a meeting centered around the negotiations to end the conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.
- The unyielding stance of both Russia and Ukraine in the negotiations has not been lost on the media, with some analysts suggesting that a more assertive approach, such as the arming of Ukraine as proposed by journalist and historian Anne Applebaum, may be necessary to achieve a lasting peace and resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
