Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to US President Donald Trump’s 50-day ceasefire ultimatum through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Thursday after several days of silence.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the US President of encouraging the continuation of the war, while also warning that any foreign military forces present in Ukraine under the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” would be regarded as legitimate military targets.
In a statement addressing Trump’s ultimatum, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova firmly rejected the US demand, stating, “Moscow does not respond to threats.”
“We will take all necessary measures”
President Trump had warned earlier that if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire within fifty days, the United States will implement new sanctions against Russia. In response, Zakharova claimed these remarks send a clear signal that Washington is committed to prolonging the bloodshed in Ukraine.
“We will take all necessary steps to protect our country,” Zakharova stated, adding that Russia now sees an increased necessity to achieve its strategic objectives in Ukraine.
“Coalition of the Willing” now a legitimate military target
Russia has characterized the formation of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” as a deliberate plan for military intervention and warned that any units operating under this coalition within Ukraine will be considered lawful military targets.
Zakharova emphasized that Moscow views any deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine—regardless of the justification or international framework—as an unacceptable act of military interference.
“We have repeatedly made it clear that the deployment of foreign armed forces in Ukraine, under any pretext, is completely unacceptable. We regard it as preparation for foreign military intervention. The so-called ‘multinational forces’ will be treated as legitimate military targets by Russia,” she said.
Trump’s ultimatum to Putin
US President Donald Trump issued a firm ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, warning that the United States will impose severe 100 percent tariffs on Russia if a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine is not reached within fifty days.
In speaking during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed deep dissatisfaction with Moscow’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine. He emphasized that he had previously reached preliminary agreements with Russia to end the conflict on at least four occasions, but none had come to fruition.
“I thought a deal should have been made a long time ago,” Trump stated. He voiced concern over the continued loss of life on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides, highlighting the devastating human cost of the war.