Putin not swayed by Trump’s Ukraine war ultimatum

Putin Dismisses Trump’s Ultimatum as Russian Offensive Pushes Forward

Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed U.S. pressure to halt the Ukraine war, asserting that Russian forces continue to make progress along the entire front line. Despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum threatening new sanctions, Putin stated that negotiations with Ukraine remain possible but reiterated Moscow’s territorial demands.

Inflated Expectations Behind Western Frustrations, Says Putin
Speaking at the Valaam Monastery in north-western Russia on Friday, Putin responded to Trump’s recent comments branding him a disappointment for failing to end the war. Without directly naming Trump, Putin remarked, “All disappointments arise from inflated expectations,” suggesting the U.S. expectations are detached from battlefield realities.

Ukraine Open to Talks but Questions Russian Intentions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while open to meeting Putin “any time,” cast doubt on Russia’s sincerity. He questioned whether Moscow truly seeks peace or is merely buying time. Zelensky urged the international community to recognize Russia’s tactic of stalling negotiations while intensifying its territorial aggression.

Putin Repeats Demands for Neutrality and Territory Recognition
Putin reiterated that peace talks could only move forward if Ukraine agrees to neutrality and recognizes Russia’s control over annexed territories. These conditions, viewed by Kyiv as surrender terms, remain a key obstacle. The Russian leader’s remarks reflect his firm stance that Moscow’s military advantage should shape the terms of any future agreement.

Deadliest Attacks Undermine Peace Efforts
The Russian president’s comments came a day after one of the deadliest aerial attacks on Kyiv. At least 31 civilians, including five children, died in the strike. Ukraine and its allies cite such continued assaults as evidence of Moscow’s lack of commitment to peace, accusing the Kremlin of using diplomacy to deflect sanctions while consolidating gains.

Kremlin Rejects External Deadlines

Despite Trump’s earlier 50-day deadline for a ceasefire, which was later shortened to 10-12 days, the Kremlin remained silent. However, Putin’s latest comments suggest the Russian government will not be coerced into concessions. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who visited Putin on Friday, also dismissed Trump’s approach, saying, “You don’t do politics like that.”

New U.S. Sanctions Loom Amid Rising Tensions
Trump warned that if Moscow fails to agree to a ceasefire by 8 August, the U.S. would impose new sanctions. These penalties could extend to countries purchasing Russian oil. However, reports in Russian state media cast doubt on Washington’s resolve to follow through, citing past inconsistencies in American foreign policy enforcement.

Russian Media Downplays Sanctions Threats
Kremlin-aligned outlets have echoed skepticism over U.S. sanctions, portraying the West as divided and indecisive. Russian analysts suggest that the Biden administration and Trump’s camp lack unity on how to handle Moscow, making serious enforcement of the August deadline unlikely.

U.S. Diplomacy Continues Behind the Scenes
Despite the tension, diplomatic channels remain active. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, currently in Israel, is expected to visit Russia next, though specific plans remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, senior American diplomat John Kelley told the UN Security Council that Russia and Ukraine must work toward a “durable peace.”

Russia Confident Ceasefire Would Disrupt Momentum
Putin signaled that Moscow sees no incentive for a ceasefire at this stage. With Russian forces reportedly advancing, any halt in fighting would undermine military momentum. His rhetoric suggested a belief that victory remains within reach, and a truce would only benefit Ukraine and its Western backers.

Kyiv Receives Encouragement from the U.S.
Despite the lack of clarity over new sanctions, Ukrainian officials indicated they had received “positive signals” from Washington about additional punitive measures against Russia. These measures aim to pressure Moscow into serious negotiations while demonstrating Western solidarity with Ukraine.

About The Author

Ama Oprah

See author's posts