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Trump issues final warning to Putin during Scotland visit, demands peace by August 9
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U.S. threatens severe tariffs and sanctions on Russia and allies if war continues
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Ukraine welcomes Trump’s tougher stance, calls it “clear and loud”
United States President Donald Trump has issued a direct ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving him between August 7 and 9 to begin concrete steps toward ending the Ukraine war — or face heavy economic retaliation.
Speaking during a visit to Scotland on Monday, Trump said the U.S. is no longer willing to wait for diplomatic progress, adding that the Russian invasion must end or Moscow will be subjected to “severe tariffs” and new sanctions.
“No reason in waiting. We just don’t see any progress being made,” Trump declared.
Although Trump had previously set an informal September deadline, the new timeline significantly accelerates U.S. expectations. He noted that a formal announcement detailing the punitive measures could come later Monday or Tuesday.
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“I don’t want to do that to Russia,” he said. “I have affection for the Russian people, but too many Russians and too many Ukrainians are dying. Putin has got to make a deal. I’m disappointed in President Putin.”
Trump also signalled a potential end to diplomatic engagement with Putin, stating bluntly, “I’m not so interested in talking anymore.”
Reacting to the ultimatum, Andrii Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, praised Trump’s decision as timely and bold.
“Putin understands only strength, and that has been conveyed clearly and loudly,” Yermak said.
Despite mounting international pressure, Russian forces continued attacks overnight. Ukraine’s air force reported that over 300 drones, along with four cruise and three ballistic missiles, were launched by Moscow.
In Kyiv, a drone strike in the Darnytskyi district left eight civilians wounded, including a four-year-old girl. Another strike in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, sparked a fire, although no casualties were reported.
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Ukrainian officials added that missile strikes targeted Starokostiantyniv, a key air base location in the Khmelnytskyi region. No damages were recorded there.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its long-range missiles hit a Ukrainian air base and a depot storing drone parts and munitions — a claim Kyiv has yet to confirm.
The Kremlin has not officially responded to Trump’s deadline as of press time.
