Trump's Ultimatum Becomes A Kremlin 'Criminal', Russia Continues Military Operations To Ukraine

JAKARTA - The Kremlin says Russia "recorded" a statement by US President Donald Trump shortening the time limit for Moscow to sign a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sanctions.

Trump set a new deadline on Monday, which is 10 or 12 days, for Russia to achieve progress in ending the war in Ukraine or facing its consequences.

This illustrates the frustration of President Vladimir Putin over the 3.5-year conflict.

"We paid attention to President Trump's statement yesterday. Special military operations continue," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, using the terms Moscow uses for its war efforts in Ukraine.

"We remain committed to the peace process to resolve the conflict around Ukraine and to ensure our interest in this settlement," he continued.

Trump threatened on July 14 to impose new sanctions on Russia and its export buyers within 50 days, a deadline that should end in early September.

But on Monday, during a visit to Scotland, Trump shortened the deadline and said:

"There is no reason to wait. We do not see any progress," he said.

Trump, who has several times called the Kremlin leader since returning to the White House in January, also said he was "not very interested in speaking again".

Peskov declined to comment on the statement.