U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stark ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine within days or face sweeping new sanctions, as he held high-level talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.
Trump, who appeared increasingly frustrated with Moscow’s continued bombardment of civilian areas in Ukraine, announced he was shortening a previously declared 50-day deadline for Russia to halt its invasion to just “10 or 12 days,” effective immediately.
“There is no reason in waiting,” Trump said during a joint press conference with Starmer. “I really felt it was going to end. But every time I think it’s going to end, he [Putin] kills people. I’m not so interested in talking to him anymore.”
Trump’s comments marked a significant shift in his stance toward the Kremlin, following mounting criticism over his past reluctance to strongly condemn Russia’s actions.
The renewed pressure comes amid reports of escalating civilian casualties in Ukraine, with recent Russian airstrikes targeting residential areas and critical infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s renewed commitment, calling it a “clear stance and expressed determination” in a social media post.
“Right on time, when a lot can change through strength for real peace,” Zelensky wrote. “I thank President Trump for his focus on saving lives and stopping this horrible war.”
Gaza Crisis and US Aid Plans
The meeting also focused heavily on the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Trump acknowledged for the first time that there were signs of “real starvation” in the conflict-torn Palestinian enclave, as fighting between Israel and Hamas continues to devastate the region.
In response, Trump announced that the United States would begin establishing walk-in food centres across Gaza, saying, “We’re going to be getting some good, strong food. We can save a lot of people. I mean, some of those kids — that’s real starvation stuff.”
Prime Minister Starmer, who is under pressure at home to adopt a stronger stance on Palestinian statehood, described the Gaza situation as an “absolute catastrophe” and emphasized the need for renewed ceasefire talks.
Trade and Diplomatic Cooperation
Beyond the urgent geopolitical matters, the two leaders also reviewed the implementation of the UK-US trade deal signed on May 8. The agreement, which lowers tariffs on specific British exports, has not yet come into effect. Trump reassured the UK that he would not target British pharmaceuticals with punitive tariffs, hinting at stronger economic ties.
“With the relationship we have, you would not use that as a cudgel,” he told Starmer. “You wouldn’t be using it as a block.”
Trump’s meeting with Starmer comes on the heels of a successful trade breakthrough with the European Union. On Sunday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Trump at Turnberry, where they finalized a key agreement to prevent a looming trade war over tariffs.
The deal, which is expected to take effect on August 1, will adjust tariff rates for major trading blocs, including the EU, Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
A Presidential Visit with a Personal Touch
The high-profile summit took place under tight security, with Starmer and his wife, Victoria, joining Trump at Turnberry before flying together aboard Marine One to Trump’s other golf resort in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, for a private dinner.
Trump, who arrived in Scotland on Friday for a five-day visit, is scheduled to unveil a new golf course at the Aberdeenshire resort on Tuesday before returning to the United States.
As global tensions simmer and humanitarian crises mount, the US president’s European visit underscores his push to assert American leadership through pressure, diplomacy, and a rapidly evolving international trade agenda.
