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Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stark warning over President Donald Trump’s latest demand for Russia to end its war in Ukraine, calling it a dangerous escalation.
Medvedev, now serving as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, responded Monday to Trump’s announcement that Moscow has just 10 to 12 days to agree to a peace deal, calling it a provocation that could backfire on the United States.
“Trump’s playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10… He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn’t Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,” Medvedev wrote on X. “Don’t go down the Sleepy Joe road!”
Earlier this month, Trump had initially given Russia 50 days to strike a peace agreement or face “severe tariffs,” but on Monday, he told reporters from Scotland that he’s moving up the deadline.
“I’m going to make a new deadline, of about 10 — 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump said. “There’s no reason for waiting. It was 50 days. I wanted to be generous, but we just don’t see any progress being made.”
Trump’s remarks follow increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially after a recent wave of missile and drone attacks launched by Russia into Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian air force, more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles were fired in one day.
Trump criticized Putin for failing to take meaningful action, saying Monday, “He talks — we have such nice conversations, such respectful and nice conversation. And then, people die the following night.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s tougher stance, expressing gratitude on social media.
“I thank President Trump for his focus on saving lives and stopping this horrible war,” Zelenskyy said on X. “Ukraine remains committed to peace and will work tirelessly with the U.S. to make both our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
Zelenskyy’s statement comes months after Vice President JD Vance criticized him for not showing enough appreciation for American support during a February meeting in the Oval Office.
Though Trump has frequently touted a strong relationship with Putin, his tone has notably shifted as Russia’s invasion continues.
“We get a lot of bulls— thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on July 8. “He’s very nice to us all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”
