Trump says he’ll shorten the proposed 50-day timeline to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

On July 14, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned he would impose “severe tariffs” on Russia unless a peace agreement was reached by early September. However, on Monday, he revised that timeline, now giving Russian President Vladimir Putin just 10 to 12 days to show progress—setting a new informal deadline between August 7 and 9.

Trump’s revised plan also includes potential sanctions and secondary tariffs on countries continuing to trade with Russia. He said a formal announcement would be made later Monday or Tuesday.

“There’s no reason to wait,” Trump said of the shortened timeline. “We just don’t see any progress being made.”

Speaking during a visit to Scotland, Trump said, “Putin has to make a deal. Too many people are dying.” He reiterated his criticism of the Russian president, accusing him of talking about peace while continuing to target civilians in Ukraine. “That’s not the way to do it,” Trump added. “I’m disappointed in President Putin.”

Asked whether he would consider meeting Putin, Trump responded, “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”

Despite the tough tone, Trump expressed hesitation about punishing Russia too harshly, saying, “I love the Russian people. I don’t want to do that to Russia,” though he acknowledged the toll the war is taking on both Russians and Ukrainians.

Ukraine welcomed Trump’s revised deadline. Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, thanked him for the tougher stance. “Putin understands only strength — and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly,” Yermak wrote on Telegram, noting that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed with the sentiment.

New Attacks in Ukraine

Meanwhile, Russia continued its strikes overnight. A drone attack shattered windows in a 25-story residential building in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, injuring eight people, including a 4-year-old girl, according to city military chief Tymur Tkachenko.

A separate strike ignited a fire in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, though no injuries were reported.

The primary target appeared to be Starokostiantyniv in the western Khmelnytskyi region, home to key Ukrainian airbases and military stockpiles. Local officials reported no casualties or significant damage.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed it launched overnight long-range, air-launched strikes, claiming to have hit a Ukrainian air base and an ammunition depot used for missile and drone production.  (Agencies)