United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark new deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin negotiations to end the Ukraine war.
During a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland on Wednesday, Trump announced he would give Russia “about 10 or 12 days from today” to come to the negotiating table.
“There is no reason in waiting,” Trump told reporters when asked about his accelerated timeline for peace talks. The U.S. president emphasized his intention to push for an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, though he provided no specifics about what consequences Moscow might face if it ignores the ultimatum.
The surprise announcement comes at a critical moment in the 28-month conflict. Russian forces continue offensive operations in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, while Kyiv awaits the arrival of new Western weapons shipments. The deadline would expire between July 22-24, just as NATO leaders conclude their 75th anniversary summit in Washington.
This marks Trump’s third major attempt to impose a timeline on Russia since the invasion began. The president previously claimed Putin “wouldn’t have invaded” Ukraine if he were still in office, though he has not detailed how his administration would compel Moscow to negotiate. Kremlin officials had not responded to the new demand at press time.
The ultimatum was delivered during Trump’s first in-person meeting with Starmer since the Labour leader took office last week. White House aides later clarified the president meant calendar days rather than business days for the deadline.
