**Putin Unfazed by Trump’s Ultimatum, Sees Opportunity to Maximize Goals in Ukraine War**
Russian President Vladimir Putin is not concerned about the 50-day deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Russia and Ukraine to reach a ceasefire, according to unnamed Kremlin officials. The Guardian reported on July 22 that Putin views Trump as emotional and susceptible to influence, and sees the ultimatum as an opportunity to maximize his goals in the war against Ukraine.
The comments from Russian officials come after Trump announced on July 14 that the White House will impose “severe tariffs” on Russia unless it agrees to a deal on ending the war in Ukraine within 50 days. The U.S. leader also announced that Washington will supply Ukraine with new weapons, including Patriot air defense systems, amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks.
**A Strategic Mistake?**
Russia’s bombardment of Ukrainian cities following talks between Trump and Putin was seen as a “strategic mistake” by the Kremlin officials, who believe it misread Trump. The officials noted that Putin is “obsessed” with not looking weak, which may have contributed to this decision.
“A lot can happen in 50 days — and Putin knows that,” said a source within Russia’s foreign policy establishment. “Moscow will keep making overtures toward Washington. They don’t see this rift as irreversible.”
**Putin Sees Opportunity, Not Threat**
Putin sees Trump’s ultimatum as an opportunity to continue Russia’s war against Ukraine until the West agrees to peace on his terms. According to independent Russian political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya, there was initially hope in Moscow for a strong relationship with Trump, but the baseline expectation has always been tougher US sanctions and a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine.
**International Reaction**
The EU welcomed Trump’s renewed push to bring Russia to the negotiating table, but expressed concern that the 50-day deadline is too long. “On one hand, it is very positive that President Trump is taking on a strong stance on Russia… On the other hand, 50 days is a very long time if we see that they are killing innocent civilians,” said EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas.
**A Long and Ongoing Conflict**
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. As Volodymyr Ivanyshyn, a news editor for The Kyiv Independent, noted, the 50-day ceasefire deadline is just one step in a long and ongoing process.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
