US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to secure a deal ending Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, as the United States informed the United Nations Security Council. The announcement signals an aggressive timeline that aligns with Trump’s campaign pledge to resolve the conflict rapidly.
This position, presented by senior US diplomat John Kelley before the 15-member council, underscores a shift in Washington’s approach to the war. Kelley stressed that both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and lasting peace while warning that the US is ready to apply further measures to enforce progress, as reported by Euractiv.
Trump initially suspended US weapons supplies to Kyiv and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He later reversed this decision, reinstating military support and threatening Moscow with severe sanctions if no progress is made toward a settlement.
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A Compressed Timeline for Negotiations
Earlier this week, Trump shortened the original 50-day deadline he had set for Russia to “10 or 12” days. This abrupt reduction reflects his growing frustration with what he views as Moscow’s lack of willingness to move toward peace. Trump also stated that the United States would impose tariffs and additional measures on Russia “10 days from today” if no tangible steps are taken.
Kyiv has welcomed this tougher approach. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelenskyy, emphasized that “Putin only understands strength,” signaling Ukraine’s support for Washington’s intensified pressure on Moscow.
Diplomatic Talks Show Limited Progress
While Trump’s deadline creates urgency, the diplomatic track has delivered only limited results. As detailed by Euractiv, Kyiv and Moscow have held three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul this year. These talks resulted in prisoner and body exchanges but failed to produce a breakthrough that could end the war.
Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the Security Council that despite the Istanbul meetings, “in the West, the war party did not go away,” arguing that Moscow views diplomacy largely as a tool for criticism and pressure rather than meaningful compromise.
Calls for Unity at the United Nations
Ukraine’s deputy UN ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn urged the Security Council to act decisively. She stated that Ukraine seeks “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and nothing less”. Hayovyshyn further called for “a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire” as the necessary first step to halting Russia’s war of aggression.
