By Gloria Nosa
In a dramatic and highly controversial statement, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has issued a public ultimatum to Russia, demanding an immediate end to the war in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days. Speaking at a rally in Ohio over the weekend, Trump declared that he would broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine “within days” of returning to the White House — but warned that Russia must begin de-escalation now or face “consequences like never before.”
“I’m giving Russia 12 days — 12 days to stop this war. If they don’t, they’ll be dealing with me directly, and I don’t make empty threats,” Trump told a crowd of supporters, drawing thunderous applause and renewed global attention. “We’re going to bring peace through strength, and I guarantee it will be fast — very fast. Unlike Biden, I don’t talk, I act.”
The remarks have sparked intense global reactions, with diplomats and analysts scrambling to interpret the former president’s bold statement and what, if any, diplomatic backing it might have. Trump did not elaborate on the exact nature of the “consequences” Russia would face if the war continues past his proposed timeline, nor did he outline a concrete plan for peace negotiations.
While the Kremlin has not officially responded to the ultimatum, Russian state media dismissed Trump’s remarks as “campaign rhetoric,” emphasizing that Moscow’s military objectives in Ukraine remain unchanged. A senior Russian official anonymously told local outlets that “Russia does not take orders from former American presidents.”
In Kyiv, Ukrainian officials offered a cautious welcome to any effort that could bring an end to the conflict, but noted that any peace process must include full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “If Trump can stop the war, great. But it cannot come at the cost of our freedom or land,” one Ukrainian government spokesperson said.
Trump’s statement is seen by many as part of his broader campaign strategy ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, where foreign policy — particularly the war in Ukraine — has become a major talking point. He has frequently claimed that the war would “never have happened” under his watch, and continues to criticize President Joe Biden’s handling of the crisis.
Critics, however, argue that Trump’s ultimatum risks undermining diplomatic efforts already in place and could embolden Russia rather than restrain it. Some also point out that Trump currently holds no formal authority to dictate foreign policy and that such statements may be purely symbolic.
Nevertheless, Trump’s ultimatum has reignited global debate about the U.S. role in ending the Ukraine conflict and whether an alternative approach — even one as unorthodox as Trump’s — could potentially shift the trajectory of the war.
With the world watching closely, all eyes are now on Moscow — and on whether Trump’s dramatic deadline will hold any weight in a war that has already cost thousands of lives and reshaped the global order.
