**Ukraine’s President Welcomes Trump’s New Deadline for Russia to Reach Peace Deal**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the new deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine. The deadline, which is now 10-12 days, is a reduction from the initial 50-day period.
Speaking in his evening address on July 28, Zelensky praised Trump’s statement and emphasized that Russia was responsible for undermining peace efforts and prolonging the war. “It is true: it is Russia who is doing everything to undermine peace efforts and drag out this war,” he said. The Ukrainian president also thanked Trump for imposing sanctions against Moscow, which are seen as a key element in achieving peace.
**Trump’s New Deadline: A Shift in US Policy?**
Trump’s decision to reduce the deadline was announced earlier in the day, with the US President expressing disappointment with Russian leader Vladimir 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.
This shift in US policy comes as many of Ukraine’s allies have welcomed the initial deadline but expressed concern about its length. The 10-12 day period is seen as more realistic, given the ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks targeting Ukrainian civilians.
**Ukraine Ready to Work with Washington**
Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv was ready to work with Washington to achieve peace in Ukraine. “Peace through strength is possible,” he said. The Ukrainian president also thanked his team for their efforts in working towards a meaningful relationship with the US.
The proposed tariffs by Trump, which would target Russian imports and impose secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, are seen as a warning to Moscow to agree to a peace deal. Zelensky welcomed these measures, saying that they factor in losses and are essential for achieving lasting peace.
**Commentary**
This development marks a significant shift in US policy towards Ukraine and Russia. Trump’s initial 50-day deadline was seen as too long by many of Ukraine’s allies, and the new 10-12 day period is more realistic given the ongoing conflict.
The welcome from Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials underscores the country’s desire for peace and its willingness to work with Washington to achieve it. However, the path ahead remains uncertain, and the imposition of sanctions by Trump sends a clear message that the US will not tolerate further Russian aggression.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Ukraine’s President Zelensky has made it clear that his country is ready to work with Washington towards peace and lasting stability.
