Putin’s ultimatum: is Trump ready for “hellish sanctions” against Russia?

US President Donald Trump’s recent statements about the Russian-Ukrainian war are ambiguous. The continuation of American military aid is an unquestionable positive, but the Kremlin’s 50-day ultimatum looks questionable.

This opinion was expressed on the air of “Pryamoy” by Oleg Shamshur, a diplomat, former ambassador to the USA and France.

“It made a double impression on me. The American media started with what was important – an ultimatum to Putin. But the more they commented, the more they went into details, and there is no longer such enthusiasm. The positive thing is that a mechanism for supplying American weapons to Ukraine has been found. First of all, air defense systems, which we really need now. Let’s hope that it will be fast enough, at least Trump said so, and Rutte confirmed it. It is literally a matter of days, and some countries are already ready to supply the Patriots that they have in service. This is a plus,” Shamshur noted.

At the same time, he said, doubts are arising about the 50-day ultimatum to Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin.

“The minus that I clearly see is again these 50 days for Putin to think. The calculation that he will be scared of the promised 100% (tariffs – ed.), that China and India will be scared, that they will put pressure on Putin – practically no one, including me, believes this. But Putin is actually given such indulgence for 50 days. Let’s hope that Trump will not last 50 days after all. But, in principle, this is not funny at all. Because the situation looks like the Russian summer offensive has already, in fact, begun. Obviously, it will increase,” the diplomat explains.

According to him, instead of imposing “hellish sanctions,” as one might expect, Trump is giving Putin the leverage to continue his aggressive war.

“That is, if you look at it, it’s something like this. On the one hand, we see supplies – this is a plus. And on the other hand, we again see a typical Trump, who still does not leave the opportunity and desire to talk to Putin as a partner. Although he still called him all sorts of nasty words today. He did not say that he was a murderer, but he said that he was very disappointed. Indeed, he is irritated,” Shamshur added.

“And this, in my opinion, is the main reason why we saw statements about Putin and the supply of weapons to Ukraine. This, by the way, is also a fragile basis for counting on the fact that the supply of weapons will be sustainable. I would like to hope, but I am not sure of this,” the former ambassador to the US and France emphasized.

Recall, the day before, a landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte took place at the White House. During the briefing , Trump announced the transfer of up to 17 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine and a large amount of other military assistance, which will be partially financed by European allies. The president also threatened Russia with 100% tariffs if a peace agreement on Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.

Meanwhile, the United States is preparing to transfer weapons to NATO allies worth about $10 billion , with the subsequent delivery of this equipment to Ukraine. The agreement, signed by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, provides for the transfer of the most modern weapons, including missiles, air defense systems and artillery ammunition.

Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had held two important international talks — with US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The talks focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense, the supply of Patriot systems, new weapons, and steps toward a just peace.

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