Kremlin prolongs war: Zelensky thanks Trump for "extremely significant statement"

Donald Trump is threatening Moscow with tariffs and sanctions on Russian trading partners. Vladimir Putin can only avoid this if he negotiates a ceasefire with Ukraine. This clear statement is met with applause from Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised US President Donald Trump's increased pressure on Russia with a new tariff ultimatum as an important step toward peace. In his evening video message, he said Trump had made an "extremely significant statement." Russia is doing everything it can to prolong the war and harm Ukraine, Zelensky said. "Every night there are attacks, constant Russian attempts to harm Ukraine."

Zelensky expressed optimism that peace through strength is possible because Russia is feeling the effects of the sanctions and the resulting losses. "We have repeatedly emphasized—and all partners know this—that sanctions are a key element." Zelensky further stated that he is ready for further talks with Trump and the US administration "to end this war with dignity and lasting peace."

US President Trump had previously threatened to shorten the deadline for new tariffs against Russia's trading partners. Originally, 50 days were spoken of, but the 79-year-old now set Moscow a deadline of "ten to twelve days." If no agreement on a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached within that time, sanctions would be imposed on Russia's trading partners, Trump announced at a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

With regard to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump expressed disillusionment. "I thought we'd settled this many times. And then President Putin goes and starts firing missiles at a city like Kyiv and kills many people in a nursing home," he said. "I'm disappointed in President Putin, very disappointed."

In his speech, Zelenskyy also announced a strengthening of the SBU intelligence agency. He specifically increased the troop strength of the Special Operations Center with a corresponding law. This unit is one of the most effective in defending against the Russian invasion. In early June, the SBU launched a spectacular strike against Russia's strategic bomber fleet . Truck-loaded drones attacked military airfields deep in the Russian hinterland, destroying about a dozen bombers used by Russia to attack Ukraine.