Russia rejects Trump’s 50-day ultimatum on Ukraine, slams US pressure as ‘unacceptable’

The Kremlin, however, hinted it would assess the American leader’s latest demands

Defying a 50-day ultimatum from US President Donald Trump, Russia brushed off threats of harsh US economic tariffs over its conflict with Ukraine. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov dismissed the warning by Trump as “unacceptable”.

“We first and foremost note that any attempts to make demands -- especially ultimatums -- are unacceptable for us,” Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Tass.

The Kremlin, however, hinted it would assess the American leader’s latest demands.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the gravity of Trump’s statement, saying it was “serious" and that Moscow needed “time to study it."

On Monday, Trump gave Russia 50 days to strike a peace deal with Ukraine, voicing fresh frustration with Moscow, and laid out an arrangement with NATO to supply Kyiv with new military aid sponsored by the alliance's member countries, AFP reported.

Trump warned that if no deal was concluded, he would slap "very severe tariffs" on Russia's trade partners in a bid to impede Moscow's ability to finance the war.

In an interview with BBC later, the US President said he was disappointed but not done with Putin. On being pressed if he trusts the Russian leader, Trump said, "I trust almost nobody."

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, leading to record civilian casualties. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, the United States has provided over $175 billion in aid to Ukraine -- most of it during the Biden administration.

Trump has recently increased pressure on his Russian counterpart after months of failed attempts to persuade Moscow to end its offensive in Ukraine and engage in peace talks.