US President Donald Trump has admitted the possibility of a deal with Moscow on Ukraine, threatening secondary sanctions and duties if the conflict cannot be resolved in the near future. He said this at a press conference following a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Turnberry (Scotland).
Trump announced that from July 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin will have no more than 12 days to cease fire in Ukraine. Initially, the deadline was 50 days and was supposed to end on September 3.
"I'm setting a new deadline — 10-12 days, starting today. There's no point in waiting any longer. I tried to be generous and gave 50 days, but we don't see any progress," Trump announced.
"Yes. I repeat it to you. I think 10-12 days. I'll probably announce it tonight or tomorrow. These will be sanctions and, possibly... duties, secondary duties. And listen. I don't want to do this with Russia. I love the Russian people. These are wonderful people. I don't want to hurt Russia," he said.
"We will impose secondary sanctions unless we manage to reach a deal. I do not know ... but we can make a deal," said the head of the White House.
"I'm not interested in talking anymore," Trump summed up, answering a question about possible contacts with Putin.
Earlier today, Trump reiterated that he was "very disappointed" with Putin, because he had spoken with him at least four times and each time thought that he would cease fire.
In mid-July, the American leader noted that the United States would impose 100 percent duties on goods from Russia and secondary sanctions against countries that buy Russian oil if no ceasefire agreement is reached between Moscow and Kiev within 50 days.