Trump Issues Two-Week Ultimatum to Russia Over Ukraine War

President Donald Trump has set a stark two-week deadline for a major decision on the Ukraine war, creating a pressure-cooker environment for Moscow. The US president warned that “massive sanctions” or significant tariffs could be on the table, depending on the progress made toward peace. He also left open the possibility of taking no action, framing it as a critical choice he will make shortly.
This ultimatum follows a flurry of high-level diplomacy, including Trump’s recent meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump has made it clear he is waiting to see if Putin and Zelensky will hold their own summit, stating, “It takes two” to make peace. His decision rests on the “attitude” of both nations in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has sent a seemingly positive signal towards Washington. Speaking to nuclear industry workers in Sarov, he described the Trump presidency as a “light at the end of the tunnel” for bilateral relations, which he admitted are at a historic low. This praise suggests Moscow may see an opportunity for a diplomatic reset, even amid the threats from the White House.
Putin’s comments, however, were tinged with defiance. He emphasized the paramount importance of Russian sovereignty, suggesting it was non-negotiable and essential for the nation’s survival. This juxtaposition of hope for dialogue with staunch nationalism highlights the complex diplomatic challenge Trump faces as his deadline approaches.