Trump Sets August 8 Deadline For Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal, US Informs UN
US President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded that a peace deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine be finalised by August 8, the United States informed the United Nations Security Council.
Senior US diplomat John Kelley told the 15‑member council that both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and a durable peace, adding that the United States is 'prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace".
'Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8," Kelley said.
Trump had earlier warned on Tuesday that the US would begin imposing fresh tariffs and other punitive measures on Russia within ten days if Moscow failed to show progress towards ending its aggression in Ukraine.
So far this year, Kyiv and Moscow have held three rounds of talks in Istanbul, resulting in prisoner and body exchanges—but there has been no breakthrough to resolve the more-than-three‑year conflict.
'We intend to continue the negotiations in Istanbul," Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the council.
'Despite the meetings in Istanbul, in the West, the war party did not go away … We continue hearing voices of those who think that diplomacy is just a way of criticizing Russia and exerting pressure on it," he added.
Ukraine's Deputy UN Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn said Russia must be confronted with 'unity, resolve and action." She emphasised the necessity of a 'comprehensive, just and lasting peace grounded in the principles of the UN Charter."
'We repeat – a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire is essential. It is the first step to halting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," she told the council.
Earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his appeal to allies to pursue 'regime change" in Russia.
Speaking virtually at a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords, Zelenskyy said he believed Russia could be 'pushed" to cease its war.
'But if the world doesn't aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilise neighbouring countries," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)
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July 31, 2025, 23:42 IST
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