Trump's August 8 Deadline Nears as Russia Advances in Ukraine Conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump set a deadline of August 8 for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, threatening additional sanctions on Russia and its oil customers if the deadline was not met. Despite Trump's efforts, including sending envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow and planning a potential summit with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, no progress toward peace has been made, with Putin signaling a willingness to endure further economic hardship. Ukrainian soldiers express little hope for a diplomatic resolution, with intense fighting ongoing, particularly in eastern and northern Ukraine, and commanders stating that Russia is uninterested in negotiations. Trump has downplayed the importance of the deadline, saying the outcome depends on Putin and expressing disappointment without confirming whether the threatened sanctions will be enacted. Analysts and officials highlight that Putin is unlikely to agree to a ceasefire, given his war aims and Russia's military advances, while Zelenskyy insists the war must end with a full Russian withdrawal. The consensus is that a quick resolution is unlikely, requiring continued military pressure and sanctions to counter Putin's ambitions.