(Washington) – United States President Donald Trump has issued what he described as a two week deadline for the Russian dictator to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Speaking at a press briefing, Trump warned that if the Kremlin continues to delay and “string him along,” he would respond differently. However, critics argue that his words remain vague, as he has so far stopped short of announcing any new sanctions or concrete measures.
This announcement comes in the wake of a renewed wave of devastating Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. These bombardments, which Ukrainian officials describe as among the most intense since the full invasion began, have left dozens dead and caused serious damage to infrastructure.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that he had discussed concrete proposals for peace negotiations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The new round of direct talks with Ukraine is expected to be held in Istanbul next week, though officials in Kyiv have not publicly confirmed participation.
Meanwhile, Germany and Ukraine announced joint plans to build long range missiles, a clear sign of growing European support for Ukraine’s self defence. German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, described the initiative as a new form of military industrial cooperation between the two nations.
Despite Trump’s tough words, this is not the first time such deadlines have been floated by Washington. Analysts point out that an earlier remark from Secretary of State Rubio in April also hinted at limited patience, stating the world would soon see whether Russia was serious about peace. Nearly two months later, nothing appears to have changed.
Indeed, the Kremlin continues to demand that Ukraine amend its own laws and has reaffirmed its goal of occupying more Ukrainian territory. Russian forces are focused on expanding control over four partially occupied regions, with no clear signals of de escalation.
Observers also note that earlier deadlines, including one set for 12 May, passed without any shift in Moscow’s strategy. The Kremlin’s morning briefing today reiterated that there are currently no plans for the Russian dictator to speak with President Trump directly. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added that the proposed Istanbul talks were the “main thing right now” and accused Ukraine of not yet responding.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has made repeated calls for the West, especially the United States, to do more to halt Russian aggression. He recently criticised what he called the “silence of America,” suggesting that it has enabled Russia’s recent aerial attacks. Trump responded by publicly lashing out, stating, “I don’t like anything that’s coming out of Zelensky’s mouth.”
The conflict continues to escalate. Recent attacks have killed civilians in regions such as Sumy and Zaporizhzhia. One 68 year old man died during an airstrike, while five glide bombs were dropped on a village, causing further destruction.
