Trump Issues Ultimatum to Russia on Ukraine War, Effectiveness Questioned
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a bold move, U.S. President Donald Trump has set a new, accelerated deadline for Russia to cease its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, demanding an end to hostilities within ten to twelve days. Failure to comply, Trump warned, will result in stringent sanctions adn customs measures. This latest ultimatum represents a importent tightening of the timeline, a departure from the 50-day window he previously indicated in mid-July.
However, President Trump himself has expressed a degree of uncertainty regarding the potential impact of these threats on Russia’s actions. “I don’t know if it will affect Russia, as he obviously wants to keep up the war,” Trump stated at a press conference, adding, “But we will introduce customs and other things. It may have an effect – or maybe not.”
the effectiveness of U.S. financial pressure on moscow to end the war has been a subject of ongoing debate. Russia has, over several years, fortified its economy to withstand Western sanctions. Nevertheless, oil and gas exports remain a critical component of the Russian budget, reportedly accounting for a third of its revenue. This sector presents a potential avenue for tangible economic impact.
President Trump has also indicated a willingness to impose secondary tariffs on nations that continue to purchase Russian oil. Notably, India, a significant buyer of Russian energy and military equipment, is slated to face 25 percent tariffs from the U.S. starting august 1st. Trump cited India’s substantial purchases of Russian energy, alongside China, as a point of concern, particularly at a time when international pressure mounts for Russia to halt its military actions in Ukraine.
The impending deadline, expected to fall in the middle of next week, has not appeared to elicit a significant reaction from Russia. russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has previously dismissed Trump’s shifting deadlines, remarking, “It was 24 hours, since 100 days, now 50. We’ve heard all that.” this sentiment suggests a degree of skepticism within the Russian government regarding the impact of the U.S. president’s pronouncements.
