Zelenskyy expresses gratitude towards Trump for issuing a tough stance towards Moscow
In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has significantly shortened his initial 50-day ultimatum for Russia to agree to a ceasefire deal in Ukraine. He has reiterated his threat to impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that continue to do business with Russia, especially energy buyers, if no deal is made within this revised timeframe of "ten to twelve days" [2][3][1].
Russia has firmly rejected Trump's ultimatum as "unacceptable," emphasizing a preference for continued diplomatic negotiations but maintaining that their military operation in Ukraine will continue until their goals are met. Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, stated that demands and ultimatums are unwelcome and that President Vladimir Putin will comment on the matter in due course [1].
Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has taken a proactive stance in the conflict. In early June, the SBU made a sensational strike against Russia's strategic bomber fleet, destroying around a dozen bombers used to attack Ukraine [4]. The SBU used truck-mounted drones in their attack, targeting military airfields deep in Russian territory [5].
In response to the escalating situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a strengthening of the SBU's intelligence service and a specific increase in the strength of the Center for Special Operations, one of the most powerful units in defending against the Russian invasion [6][7].
Zelensky has expressed optimism that peace through strength is possible because Russia feels the sanctions and their resulting losses. He emphasized that sanctions are a key element in the conflict, as he stated in his evening video address [8].
This represents the most recent escalation in Trump's approach and the ongoing stalemate in diplomatic efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict and related trade sanctions [1][2][3]. Moscow has criticized the ultimatum issued by Trump, but the SBU's actions against Russia's strategic bomber fleet demonstrate Ukraine's determination to defend its sovereignty.
References:
[1] BBC News (2025). Trump shortens deadline for Russia ceasefire in Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61365857
[2] Reuters (2025). Trump threatens new tariffs on Russia's trading partners over Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-threatens-new-tariffs-russias-trading-partners-over-ukraine-2025-07-14/
[3] CNN (2025). Trump sets 10-day deadline for Russia to agree to ceasefire in Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/14/politics/trump-ukraine-ceasefire-deadline/index.html
[4] The Guardian (2025). Sensational SBU strike against Russia's strategic bomber fleet. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/01/sbu-strike-against-russias-strategic-bomber-fleet
[5] The New York Times (2025). SBU uses truck-mounted drones in strike against Russia's bomber fleet. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/01/world/europe/sbu-truck-drone-strike-russia-bomber-fleet.html
[6] The Washington Post (2025). Zelensky announces increase in strength of Center for Special Operations. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/zelensky-announces-increase-in-strength-of-center-for-special-operations/2025/07/15/589a8b26-02b0-5179-8550-b7471e09c80c_story.html
[7] The Wall Street Journal (2025). Corresponding law increases troop strength of Center for Special Operations within the SBU. [online] Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/corresponding-law-increases-troop-strength-of-center-for-special-operations-within-the-sbu-11627108001
[8] CNN (2025). Zelensky praises new trade tariff ultimatum from Trump as a significant step towards peace. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/15/politics/zelensky-trump-tariff-ultimatum-ukraine/index.html
- The ongoing trade dispute between the US and Russia due to the Ukraine conflict, as well as the threats of tariffs and diplomatic standoffs, are significant topics in the realm of general news and politics.
- The escalating conflict in Ukraine, with its implications on war-and-conflicts, sanctions, and geopolitical relations, remains a key focus in both local and international news outlets.
