Trump Kremlin Deadline 2025 Nears as Putin Holds His Ground

The Trump Kremlin deadline 2025 is fast approaching, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no signs of compromise. President Donald Trump has set a Friday deadline for Russia to end its attacks on Ukraine or face tougher U.S. sanctions.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, is expected to land in Moscow midweek for last-minute diplomacy. His visit follows trips to Israel and Gaza, and it could mark a turning point—or end in deadlock.

“They’ve asked that he meet,” Trump said Sunday. “We’ll see what happens.”

Trump Threatens More Sanctions—But Doubts Their Effectiveness

Frustrated by Putin’s refusal to stop bombing Ukrainian cities, Trump moved up his deadline. He also warned of secondary tariffs targeting countries that continue to buy Russian oil, such as China and India.

Despite the tough talk, Trump expressed skepticism. “They’re wily characters,” he said about Russian leaders. “They’ve been pretty good at avoiding sanctions.”

The Kremlin insists sanctions have minimal impact. However, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disagrees. On Monday, he called for expanded secondary sanctions targeting Russia’s energy, banking, and trade sectors.

Kremlin Welcomes Talks—But Signals No Concessions

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow welcomes talks with Witkoff. “We are always glad to see Mr. Witkoff in Moscow,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to strengthen its military posture. On Friday, Putin revealed that the country’s hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, has entered service. He claimed its Mach 10 warheads could rival the impact of nuclear strikes.

As tensions escalate, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that the war could push the U.S. and Russia toward direct conflict. In response, Trump repositioned two U.S. nuclear submarines.

War Continues on the Ground

The 620-mile front line in Ukraine remains active. Russia’s larger army has made incremental gains, focusing on the eastern city of Pokrovsk. If captured, the city could become a gateway for further Russian advances.

According to the United Nations, Russia’s attacks on civilian areas have killed more than 12,000 Ukrainians. Despite repeated U.S. warnings, these strikes have continued for months.

On the other side, Ukraine has launched long-range drone strikes deep inside Russian territory. A recent attack set fire to an oil depot near Sochi, on the Black Sea.

Diplomatic Stalemate Deepens

Trump’s administration has hinted that the U.S. could withdraw from its support for Ukraine if peace talks fail. However, Putin remains firm. He says a settlement will only be accepted on his terms, and the war will go on until those are met.

The Trump Kremlin deadline 2025 may come and go without changing the course of the war. If so, it will highlight the limits of U.S. pressure and the enduring resilience of Russia’s defiance.