Trump Says He’s ‘Disappointed’ With Putin, Threatens to Reduce 50-day Ceasefire Deadline

New Delhi: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened Russian President Putin with shortening the 50-day ceasefire deadline he had earlier proposed. Speaking to reporters in Scotland, Trump said, “I’m reducing the 50 days I gave him to a lesser number because I think I already know the answer to what’s gonna happen.”

“I’m disappointed in him (Putin)” Trump said bluntly. "Bodies lying all over the street and I say that's not the way to do it," he stated, announcing a new 10 to 12-day deadline for Russia to end its war. 

Speaking in Scotland, where he is holding meetings with European leaders and indulging in a round of golf, Trump revealed his decision to shorten the 50-day deadline he had previously set for Russia to end its aggression. 

Trump's latest comments showed his exasperation with Putin's continued attacks on Ukraine, which have resulted in heavy loss of life and destruction. The US president had initially promised to end the three-and-a-half-year-old conflict within 24 hours of returning to the White House in January, showcasing his confidence in his ability to broker peace.

However, Donald Trump's tough talk has not always been followed by concrete action, with the president often referencing his good relationship with Putin. "We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever," Trump said, expressing his disappointment and frustration. "And I say that's not the way to do it," he stated.

The US president has threatened to impose new sanctions on Russia and buyers of its exports unless a peace agreement is reached by early September. The move is seen as an example of Trump's willingness to bring the conflict to an end, although the effectiveness of such sanctions remains to be seen.

The Kremlin's response to Trump's new deadline remains uncertain. There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin, leaving many to wonder whether Putin will heed Trump's warning or continue his military campaign in Ukraine.

Further details on Trump's new deadline awaited.