In a dramatic turn on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a two-week ultimatum to Russia to make meaningful progress on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. He warned of a "very important decision" that could include "massive sanctions or massive tariffs or both," if talks stall.
Trump's announcement came a week after his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where hopes were high for a breakthrough. "I'm going to make a decision as to what we do…or we do nothing and say it's your fight," Trump told reporters, signaling growing frustration with Moscow.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of blocking efforts for a direct summit with Putin. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy called a leaders' meeting "one of the components of how to end the war," and warned that Russia would "look for space to avoid it."
On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told NBC that Russia is ready to show flexibility on issues raised during the Alaska talks. However, he noted a summit date cannot be set until negotiators finalize an agenda.
Asked about Lavrov's comments, Trump quipped, "It's like oil and vinegar a little bit," as he weighed whether Putin and Zelenskyy could find common ground.
Earlier this week, Trump had even taken sanctions off the table in preparation for his Anchorage summit, hinting that Putin "may be coming, and he may not, depending on what happens."
In Moscow, Putin described their Alaska meeting as "highly candid" and said ties have seen "light at the end of the tunnel" since Trump took office. He emphasized that full restoration of relations hinges on U.S. leadership.
On the ground, Russia continues to demand territorial concessions from Ukraine, proposing a freeze of the front line in key regions. Zelenskyy, who once insisted on a lengthy ceasefire, said Ukraine cannot negotiate under the barrel of a gun but has softened his stance to pave the way for talks.
At the Kyiv press conference, Zelenskyy and Rutte discussed security guarantees akin to NATO's Article 5 and the NATO-U.S. coordinated Ukraine Prioritized Requirements List for weapons deliveries. Negotiations between Ukraine, Europe and the United States are ongoing as leaders race to find a path out of one of Europe's most protracted conflicts.
Reference(s):
With no Ukraine peace deal, Trump again threatens Russia sanctions
cgtn.com
