**US President Sets Deadline for Putin to Agree to Ceasefire**
US President Donald Trump has set a “psychological deadline” for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he did not specify a date.
Trump made the comments on March 30 while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. He also said that if Russia continues to tap into US communications, he will not be happy about it.
**Changes in Rhetoric**
In recent days, Trump’s rhetoric towards Putin has softened. Earlier on March 30, he had told NBC News that he was “pissed off” with the Russian leader over his fixation on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He had also threatened tariffs of up to 50% on Russian oil.
However, when asked if his relationship with Putin was at its lowest point, Trump replied, “No, I don’t think so.” He added that he believed Putin wanted to make a deal.
**Sanctions and Tariffs**
The US president has previously threatened additional sanctions and tariffs against Russia, but has yet to take the step. Trump has also put pressure on Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, including temporarily cutting off military and intelligence support.
Putin has rejected a full 30-day truce agreed upon by the US and Ukraine unless it includes conditions undermining Ukrainian defense capabilities. He has agreed to a partial ceasefire on strikes against energy facilities and in the Black Sea, but Kyiv has accused Russia of violating these agreements.
**Finnish President’s Proposal**
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who met with Trump over the weekend, proposed April 20 as a “good time” for an unconditional ceasefire. However, it is unclear if this proposal will be accepted by Putin.
Trump acknowledged that Russia may be “dragging their feet” in peace talks, and observers have warned that Moscow is intentionally prolonging the process to allow Russian forces to capture more territory.