Ultimately Europe is rich and capable of containing Russia. Mr Trump’s dream of a quick peace deal has been exposed as a fantasy. Although his word counts for little, Ukraine and Europe must seize on it to create a mechanism that does not require daily presidential decisions to function. ■

President Donald Trump is anticipated to meet with NATO chief Mark Rutte, make a "major" announcement on Russia, and join an AI and energy summit during his 26th week in office.

The Kyiv Independent's Deputy Chief Editor Oleksiy Sorokin spoke with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa during her visit to Kyiv on July 15, following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of his deal with NATO to arm Ukraine and his threat to impose severe sanctions on Russia if it doesn't reach a peace deal with Ukraine within the next 50 days.

Though Trump's decision was welcomed by leaders in Kyiv, Ukrainians and their supporters abroad also raised concerns that the 50-day window may offer Russian President Vladimir Putin an opportunity to intensify his long-range strikes against Ukrainian cities and ongoing summer frontline offensive.

President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Russia to accept a peace deal in Ukraine within 50 days or face bruising sanctions on its energy exports has given the Kremlin extra time to pursue its summer offensive.