Overview

• Trump signaled plans to cut his 50-day ultimatum for Putin to reach a ceasefire or face severe secondary sanctions and tariffs of up to 100 percent.
• The third round of peace talks in Istanbul on July 23 ended with Russia rejecting a full ceasefire and agreeing only to limited prisoner swaps.
• NATO allies agreed to finance more U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine, shifting the burden of arms transfers onto European partners.
• Russian forces pressed summer offensives in eastern Ukraine, making incremental gains near Donetsk and Kupiansk as the deadline drew near.
• Analysts remain skeptical that a shortened deadline and economic pressure alone will compel Putin to negotiate in good faith.