Negotiation Deadline Moved Up by Three Weeks from Early September
Trump Says, "Disappointed in Putin... No Reason to Wait"
US President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 28th (local time) that he would impose a "second round of tariffs" if Russia does not sign a peace agreement with Ukraine within the next two weeks. This is a strong message to Russia, which has shown an uncooperative attitude in ceasefire negotiations, by moving up the previously suggested deadline from early September by a significant margin.
President Trump announced at a summit with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held in Turnberry, Scotland, that "I will set a new deadline for about 10 to 12 days from today."
He said, "There is no reason to wait for them (Russia) any longer," and added, "I want to be generous, but so far there has been no progress at all."
On the 14th, President Trump warned that if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire within the next 50 days, he would impose a second round of tariffs of about 100% on Russian products. Although he did not specify the details of the sanctions, this was interpreted as hinting at extremely high tariffs targeting countries or companies importing Russian crude oil.
President Trump explained that the reason for moving up the deadline, which was originally set for September 2, by about three weeks to around August 9, was "because I am disappointed in President Putin." He expressed particular frustration that President Putin, despite promising over the phone to stop hostile actions toward Ukraine, soon after ordered new military operations.
He strongly criticized, "From what I see, Russia and Ukraine have come close to an agreement five times. I have had many conversations with President Putin and had a good relationship with him," but added, "However, President Putin launched rockets at Kyiv, killed many people in nursing homes, and bodies are scattered in the streets."
Since taking office, President Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a major diplomatic priority. In this process, he has been criticized for taking a conciliatory stance toward Russia, the aggressor, while pressuring Ukraine, the victim. However, as peace negotiations have stalled for nearly six months due to President Putin's lukewarm attitude, he appears to have shifted his position and is increasing pressure on Russia.
Additionally, regarding the Iran issue, President Trump warned, "I have completely destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities," and added, "If they resume, I will destroy them even faster."
Regarding the war in the Gaza Strip, he said, "A ceasefire is possible," but advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a different approach is needed regarding the breakdown of the ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas. He further criticized, "There is real starvation in the Gaza Strip, and that cannot be fabricated," pointing out that while Hamas is intercepting and selling humanitarian aid for civilians, Israel also bears significant responsibility for the famine.
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