President Donald Trump has sharply reduced his previously announced deadline for Russia to cease its military operations in Ukraine, warning that new economic sanctions and tariffs will be imposed if a peace agreement is not reached within the next 10 to 12 days. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Turnberry, Scotland, Trump said the decision to accelerate the timeline from 50 days was based on what he described as a lack of meaningful progress from Moscow.
Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that although talks had taken place, attacks on Ukrainian cities continued. Referring specifically to recent rocket strikes on Kyiv, Trump condemned the targeting of civilians and called the situation unacceptable. “You have bodies lying all over the street,” he told reporters. “That’s not the way to do it.”
The two leaders met for extended discussions at Trump’s golf resorts in Scotland, covering a range of international issues, including the ongoing war in Gaza. Trump said he was disturbed by recent television footage showing malnourished children in Gaza and urged Israel to facilitate the delivery of aid. He challenged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that there was no starvation in the enclave. “Based on television, I would say not particularly, because those children look very hungry,” Trump said.
Trump and Starmer confront rising global tensions in bilateral talks
The U.S. president emphasized that Washington had already provided $60 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza and that other nations were now contributing. He confirmed that discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had taken place and that European countries would soon increase their assistance.
Trump stressed that immediate efforts were needed to restore food security and protect civilians, while also accusing Hamas of diverting aid and obstructing hostage negotiations. Starmer echoed Trump’s concern over the Gaza conflict, describing the situation as a “real humanitarian crisis.” He said public opinion in the UK was deeply affected by images of suffering and starvation, and confirmed that his government would hold an emergency cabinet meeting later in the week to address the growing crisis.
Gaza crisis intensifies pressure on Israel and global allies
Starmer is also expected to press Trump for stronger American engagement in efforts to reach a ceasefire. Trade tensions between the U.S. and U.K. also featured prominently in the talks. Both leaders revisited unresolved disputes over American tariffs on British steel and aluminum, which remain at 25 percent. Trump indicated willingness to continue discussions, noting progress from recent agreements signed with the European Union that included a 15 percent tariff on most E.U. goods and pledges from Europe to increase U.S. energy purchases and investments.
Trump reiterated his disappointment with both Russia’s continued aggression and the humanitarian toll in Gaza, calling for new approaches in both conflicts. He declined to comment on the U.K.‘s debate over recognizing a Palestinian state, stating his priority was to ensure food and aid reached civilians in need. – By Content Syndication Services.