On July 28th, before meeting with British Prime Minister Sturgeon, US President Trump expressed his “great disappointment” towards Russian President Putin and mentioned that he would consider shortening the deadline for reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine to within 50 days.
Regarding Trump’s remarks, Russian Federation Security Council Vice Chairman Medvedev stated that the United States is playing a game of ‘final ultimatum’, which could potentially exacerbate conflict.
I plan to set a new deadline from today, approximately 10 to 12 days. There’s no reason to wait any longer; we haven’t seen any progress.
In response to Trump’s statement, Russian Security Council Vice Chairman Medvedev remarked that Trump is playing a game of ‘final ultimatum’ with Russia, whether it’s 50 days or 10 days. Each new final ultimatum is a threat, moving towards war.
The Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma, Slutsky, also previously stated that using pressure and final ultimatum language to engage in dialogue with Russia is futile and counterproductive, as the US call or threat should be directed at Ukraine.
Expert Interpretation: The US’s Policy towards Russia is Returning to the Western Consensus
Special Commentator Su Xiaohui:
Recently, the United States has been hammering on Russia, showing strength not by chance but reflecting not only President Trump’s dissatisfaction with Russian President Putin but also the return of the US policy towards Russia to the Western consensual approach.
Special Commentator Su Xiaohui:
We know that previous military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia were important bargaining chips used by the West. Now, as the US policy continues to adjust, it has not abandoned these two chips but has been increasing its leverage. When the US issues a final ultimatum setting a timeline, it is also hoping to further pressurize Russia, possibly escalating sanctions further.
Special Commentator Su Xiaohui:
Additionally, when Trump announced a new timeline, it coincided with his upcoming meeting with British Prime Minister Sturgeon. We have observed that the recent adjustments in the US’s policy towards Ukraine are deliberate to soothe European allies, hoping they will take on more responsibility and accept the burden left by the US in providing military aid to Ukraine, allowing the US to step back further. Therefore, the release of information by the US towards Europe aims to consolidate Western internal unity and allow the US to gain greater benefits.
The Russo-Ukrainian conflict is stirring multifaceted competition.