Trump lashes out at Putin, sets new 10-12-day deadline! Russia-Ukraine conflict reignites, looming sanctions threat!
2025-07-29 14:07:36
Against the backdrop of continued tensions in the global situation, US President Trump has once again focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, showing an unprecedented tough attitude. On Monday (July 28), during a meeting with European leaders in Scotland, Trump publicly expressed strong dissatisfaction with Russian President Putin and significantly shortened the previously set 50-day deadline to 10 to 12 days, demanding that Russia make substantial progress in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, otherwise it will face severe consequences. This statement not only shocked the international community, but also cast more uncertainty on the future direction of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump's attitude towards Russia this time can be described as a sharp change. Just earlier this month, he set a 50-day deadline for Russia to show progress on the Ukraine issue. However, facing the fact that the three-and-a-half-year-long Russian-Ukrainian conflict has not eased, Trump has obviously lost his patience. When meeting with British Prime Minister Starmer in Scotland, he made it clear to reporters: "I will set a new deadline...about 10 to 12 days from today. There is no reason to wait...we just don't see any progress." This statement not only shows Trump's dissatisfaction with Putin, but also implies that he is ready to fulfill his threat of sanctions.
Trump's words revealed his deep disappointment with the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He specifically mentioned that Russia's recent rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities such as Kiev have damaged civilian facilities including nursing homes and caused heavy civilian casualties. "I have thought many times that this problem has been solved, and then President Putin starts firing rockets at cities like Kiev, killing many people," Trump denounced. "I said this is not a solution to the problem." This wording not only shows his direct criticism of Putin, but also foreshadows possible subsequent sanctions.
In Trump's latest statement, sanctions and tariffs became the "consequences" he repeatedly mentioned. He made it clear that if Russia fails to meet the requirements within 10 to 12 days, the United States will take punitive measures including sanctions, tariffs and even "secondary tariffs". These measures may not only target Russia, but also countries that purchase Russian exports. Trump stressed: "There is no reason to wait any longer. If you know what the answer is, what are you waiting for?" This statement shows that he has lost interest in further dialogue with Putin and is inclined to exert pressure through economic means.
It's noteworthy that Trump attempted to strike a balance between toughness and softness in his rhetoric. He said, "I don't want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people." This statement appears intended to direct sanctions at the Russian government rather than ordinary citizens. However, if implemented, these sanctions could have a profound impact on the Russian economy and further exacerbate tensions between Russia and the United States.
The Kremlin has not yet made an official response to Trump's ultimatum, but Putin's close ally, Russian Federation Security Council Deputy Chairman Medvedev, quickly spoke out on social media X in fierce terms. He called Trump's statement an "ultimatum game" and warned that it could drag the United States into the abyss of war. Medvedev wrote: "Every new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not a war between Russia and Ukraine, but a war involving (Trump's) own country." This statement undoubtedly cast a new shadow on Russian-US relations.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry recently expressed a similar position. On July 26, Russia stated that if the West truly desired peace in Ukraine, it should immediately cease providing arms support to Kyiv. This statement contrasted sharply with Trump's tough stance, highlighting the significant differences between the two sides on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Compared with Russia's fierce reaction, Ukraine warmly welcomed Trump's new position. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Zelensky, posted on social media, thanking Trump for his "firm stance and clear message of achieving peace through strength." Ukraine obviously regards Trump's tough attitude as support for Kiev, believing that it will further consolidate the international community's assistance to Ukraine.
Previously, Ukraine had proposed to facilitate a summit between Putin and Zelensky by the end of August to promote the peace process. However, the Kremlin responded coldly, saying that this timetable was "unlikely to be achieved" and emphasizing that any meeting could only be the "last step" to achieve peace. In this context, Trump's new deadline undoubtedly provides Ukraine with new diplomatic bargaining chips and makes the path to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict more complicated.
Trump mentioned his disappointment with Putin several times in his statement in Scotland. He said frankly: "I am very disappointed with President Putin. I am going to shorten the 50-day deadline I gave him because I think I already know what will happen." This straightforward criticism not only highlights his dissatisfaction with the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but also implies his prediction of Putin's policy direction. Trump seems to believe that Putin will not show sincerity in ending the conflict in the short term, so he chose to put pressure on him with shorter deadlines and more severe threats.
Meanwhile, Trump's statement came during his "working vacation" in Scotland, where he met with European leaders and played golf. This relaxed diplomatic scene contrasted sharply with the tough statement, and it also made people wonder whether Trump was taking this opportunity to send a signal to European allies and demonstrate US leadership on the Russia-Ukraine issue.
Increasing geopolitical risks support gold prices
Trump's tough stance and Russia's sharp response (such as Medvedev's warning of the risk of war) could exacerbate geopolitical tensions. Heightened uncertainty surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict typically boosts demand for safe-haven assets, potentially supporting gold's price as a traditional safe-haven asset. Investors may turn to gold as a hedge, especially if the market anticipates further economic pressure from sanctions.
A stronger dollar could weigh on gold prices
The sanctions and tariffs mentioned by Trump could heighten market expectations of tougher US economic policies, pushing up the US dollar. Since gold is priced in US dollars, a stronger dollar typically suppresses gold prices. If sanctions trigger global trade tensions, demand for the US dollar as a safe-haven currency could further increase, putting downward pressure on gold prices in the short term.
Inflation expectations and the indirect impact of sanctions
If Trump follows through on his sanctions threat, restrictions on Russian energy and commodity exports could push up global energy and raw material prices, further exacerbating inflation expectations. Gold, as an inflation hedge, could benefit from rising inflation expectations. However, if sanctions lead to a global economic slowdown, investors may reduce their gold allocations and shift to more liquid assets.
Market sentiment and short-term fluctuations
Trump's ultimatum is likely to trigger market volatility, especially over the next 10 to 12 days, as investors will closely monitor developments in the Russia-Ukraine situation. If tensions persist, gold prices could see a short-term rise due to risk aversion. However, any unexpected signs of easing could put downward pressure on gold prices.
At 14:05 Beijing time, spot gold was trading at $3316.40 per ounce.
Trump's Ultimatum: From 50 Days to 10-12 Days
Trump's attitude towards Russia this time can be described as a sharp change. Just earlier this month, he set a 50-day deadline for Russia to show progress on the Ukraine issue. However, facing the fact that the three-and-a-half-year-long Russian-Ukrainian conflict has not eased, Trump has obviously lost his patience. When meeting with British Prime Minister Starmer in Scotland, he made it clear to reporters: "I will set a new deadline...about 10 to 12 days from today. There is no reason to wait...we just don't see any progress." This statement not only shows Trump's dissatisfaction with Putin, but also implies that he is ready to fulfill his threat of sanctions.
Trump's words revealed his deep disappointment with the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He specifically mentioned that Russia's recent rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities such as Kiev have damaged civilian facilities including nursing homes and caused heavy civilian casualties. "I have thought many times that this problem has been solved, and then President Putin starts firing rockets at cities like Kiev, killing many people," Trump denounced. "I said this is not a solution to the problem." This wording not only shows his direct criticism of Putin, but also foreshadows possible subsequent sanctions.
The shadow of sanctions and tariffs: Trump's "punishment" plan
In Trump's latest statement, sanctions and tariffs became the "consequences" he repeatedly mentioned. He made it clear that if Russia fails to meet the requirements within 10 to 12 days, the United States will take punitive measures including sanctions, tariffs and even "secondary tariffs". These measures may not only target Russia, but also countries that purchase Russian exports. Trump stressed: "There is no reason to wait any longer. If you know what the answer is, what are you waiting for?" This statement shows that he has lost interest in further dialogue with Putin and is inclined to exert pressure through economic means.
It's noteworthy that Trump attempted to strike a balance between toughness and softness in his rhetoric. He said, "I don't want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people." This statement appears intended to direct sanctions at the Russian government rather than ordinary citizens. However, if implemented, these sanctions could have a profound impact on the Russian economy and further exacerbate tensions between Russia and the United States.
Russia's tough response: Medvedev warns of 'risk of war'
The Kremlin has not yet made an official response to Trump's ultimatum, but Putin's close ally, Russian Federation Security Council Deputy Chairman Medvedev, quickly spoke out on social media X in fierce terms. He called Trump's statement an "ultimatum game" and warned that it could drag the United States into the abyss of war. Medvedev wrote: "Every new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not a war between Russia and Ukraine, but a war involving (Trump's) own country." This statement undoubtedly cast a new shadow on Russian-US relations.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry recently expressed a similar position. On July 26, Russia stated that if the West truly desired peace in Ukraine, it should immediately cease providing arms support to Kyiv. This statement contrasted sharply with Trump's tough stance, highlighting the significant differences between the two sides on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Warm welcome in Ukraine: Zelenskyy team praises Trump
Compared with Russia's fierce reaction, Ukraine warmly welcomed Trump's new position. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Zelensky, posted on social media, thanking Trump for his "firm stance and clear message of achieving peace through strength." Ukraine obviously regards Trump's tough attitude as support for Kiev, believing that it will further consolidate the international community's assistance to Ukraine.
Previously, Ukraine had proposed to facilitate a summit between Putin and Zelensky by the end of August to promote the peace process. However, the Kremlin responded coldly, saying that this timetable was "unlikely to be achieved" and emphasizing that any meeting could only be the "last step" to achieve peace. In this context, Trump's new deadline undoubtedly provides Ukraine with new diplomatic bargaining chips and makes the path to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict more complicated.
Trump's disappointment and expectations: a high-stakes diplomatic game
Trump mentioned his disappointment with Putin several times in his statement in Scotland. He said frankly: "I am very disappointed with President Putin. I am going to shorten the 50-day deadline I gave him because I think I already know what will happen." This straightforward criticism not only highlights his dissatisfaction with the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but also implies his prediction of Putin's policy direction. Trump seems to believe that Putin will not show sincerity in ending the conflict in the short term, so he chose to put pressure on him with shorter deadlines and more severe threats.
Meanwhile, Trump's statement came during his "working vacation" in Scotland, where he met with European leaders and played golf. This relaxed diplomatic scene contrasted sharply with the tough statement, and it also made people wonder whether Trump was taking this opportunity to send a signal to European allies and demonstrate US leadership on the Russia-Ukraine issue.
Analysis of the impact on gold prices
Increasing geopolitical risks support gold prices
Trump's tough stance and Russia's sharp response (such as Medvedev's warning of the risk of war) could exacerbate geopolitical tensions. Heightened uncertainty surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict typically boosts demand for safe-haven assets, potentially supporting gold's price as a traditional safe-haven asset. Investors may turn to gold as a hedge, especially if the market anticipates further economic pressure from sanctions.
A stronger dollar could weigh on gold prices
The sanctions and tariffs mentioned by Trump could heighten market expectations of tougher US economic policies, pushing up the US dollar. Since gold is priced in US dollars, a stronger dollar typically suppresses gold prices. If sanctions trigger global trade tensions, demand for the US dollar as a safe-haven currency could further increase, putting downward pressure on gold prices in the short term.
Inflation expectations and the indirect impact of sanctions
If Trump follows through on his sanctions threat, restrictions on Russian energy and commodity exports could push up global energy and raw material prices, further exacerbating inflation expectations. Gold, as an inflation hedge, could benefit from rising inflation expectations. However, if sanctions lead to a global economic slowdown, investors may reduce their gold allocations and shift to more liquid assets.
Market sentiment and short-term fluctuations
Trump's ultimatum is likely to trigger market volatility, especially over the next 10 to 12 days, as investors will closely monitor developments in the Russia-Ukraine situation. If tensions persist, gold prices could see a short-term rise due to risk aversion. However, any unexpected signs of easing could put downward pressure on gold prices.
At 14:05 Beijing time, spot gold was trading at $3316.40 per ounce.
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