Trump’s 50-Day Ultimatum Spurs Russia’s Intensified Ukraine Offensive

President Donald Trump has issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia, demanding a peace deal in Ukraine or threatening significant sanctions on Russian energy exports. While this deadline aims to pressure Moscow, experts and Ukrainian officials warn it may inadvertently give Kremlin forces additional time to pursue their summer offensive. Russian President Vladimir Putin insists any peace deal requires Ukraine's withdrawal from the four illegally annexed regions, a halt to NATO aspirations, and military restrictions, all rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies. Despite intensified Russian attacks and territorial gains, particularly near Donetsk strongholds Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka, Ukrainian resistance and shortages in manpower and ammunition limit rapid Russian advances. Analysts agree that it is unlikely Moscow will achieve a decisive breakthrough within 50 days sufficient to force Ukraine to accept Kremlin terms. The ongoing slow offensive by Russian forces aims to encircle defenders and potentially extend control westward toward the Dnipropetrovsk region, but quick significant gains remain doubtful.