Trump Issues Ultimatum to Putin Amid Ongoing Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to take seriously the new ultimatum issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, which demands an agreement for a ceasefire in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days or face new sanctions. This analysis comes from Sky News correspondent Ivor Bennett in Moscow, reports 24brussels.
Bennett suggests that the Kremlin may feel a sense of déjà vu, as similar loud declarations from Trump have been made in the past without follow-through. In March, the U.S. President stated he was “angry” with Putin, and in April he publicly urged Moscow to “stop shooting” and “sign a deal.”
In May, Trump signaled to Kyiv and European allies that he was preparing extensive sanctions against Russia if an immediate ceasefire was not achieved. However, no new sanctions have been enacted, and no agreements for a ceasefire have been reached.
The analyst notes that Putin typically responds negatively to ultimatums, which tend to push the Kremlin into a more hardened stance. In fact, following prior pressure from the U.S., Moscow has intensified its rhetoric, reiterating its intention to “achieve set goals.”
Thus, unless the White House backs its loud claims with concrete actions, including new sanctions, the Kremlin is likely to continue its current course.
