Trump’s Deadline for Russia Passes as Ukraine Prepares for More War

DNIPROPETROVSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian soldiers expressed little hope for peace on Friday as President Donald Trump’s deadline for Russia passed without progress. The White House had warned of new sanctions and tariffs if Moscow failed to move toward a settlement.

Trump initially gave the Kremlin until mid-August to cease its bombing of Ukrainian cities. After repeated attacks, he moved the deadline forward by two weeks. His plan included new sanctions and secondary tariffs targeting nations that continue buying Russian oil.

“It’s going to be up to him. We’re going to see what he has to say. Very disappointed,” Trump said Thursday, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

So far, Trump’s efforts have not halted Russia’s aggression. The war rages on, with Russia’s larger army pushing deeper into Ukrainian territory and bombarding cities.

Ukrainian Forces Dig In on the Frontline

Ukrainian troops are fighting across a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) frontline, with intense clashes in the Pokrovsk area of Donetsk. Russia aims to advance into Dnipropetrovsk, while Ukraine faces growing manpower shortages.

In the north, Ukrainian forces are holding the line in Sumy, aiming to prevent Russian reinforcements from reaching Donetsk.

“It is impossible to negotiate with them,” said Buda, a commander in Ukraine’s Spartan Brigade. “The only option is to defeat them.”

In Zaporizhzhia, another commander echoed the sentiment:

“We are on our land. We have no way out. So we stand our ground,” said Warsaw, a howitzer commander.

Putin Holds Talks with Key Allies

The Kremlin said Putin spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping about his meeting with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff. Xi reportedly supported a long-term settlement.

Putin is expected to visit China next month. The U.S. claims China, North Korea, and Iran have provided Russia with military support.

Trump signed an executive order placing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, targeting their purchases of Russian oil. Shortly afterward, Putin called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the war.

Additional calls were held with leaders in South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. Analysts believe Putin may be laying the groundwork for a peace deal.

“It means that some sort of real peace agreement has been reached for the first time,” said Sergei Markov, a Moscow-based analyst.

Peace Remains Distant

Despite Trump’s push, no real movement toward peace has occurred. Putin suggested he might meet with Trump next week, possibly in the United Arab Emirates, though the White House has yet to confirm plans.

Trump said he would meet Putin even if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy isn’t included—raising concerns in Europe about Ukraine being sidelined.

The Institute for the Study of War warned Thursday that Putin is not interested in a real peace process.

“He is trying to extract bilateral concessions from the United States,” the group said. “Putin continues to believe he can outlast Ukraine and the West.”

As the Trump Russia deadline comes and goes, Ukrainian troops remain focused on defending their homeland, with no end to the fighting in sight.

SOURCE: ABC News