Trump's Ultimatum to Putin Sparks Fears of Russia’s Next Move
US President Donald Trump has given Russian President Vladimir Putin a final 10–12 day ultimatum to initiate peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. He issued a warning that inaction would result in harsh sanctions. However, Putin seems not to be moved. Russian President Vladimir Putin might already be looking toward his next target—perhaps a post-Soviet country like Moldova, a US intelligence expert has warned.
The analyst emphasized that NATO decisions over the next few months may significantly determine Putin's next move. Meanwhile, Trump's public annoyance has escalated, particularly with Russia's latest missile attack on Ukraine over the weekend. The war, which is currently in its third year, has no end in sight.
Trump had initially given Putin a 50-day peace window on July 14, set to expire on September 2. But standing outside his hotel in Turnberry, Scotland, on Monday, Trump slashed that deadline. “I’m going to make a new deadline of about 10, 10 or 12 days from today,” he told reporters.
He made these remarks alongside UK PM Keir Starmer, showing visible disappointment with Putin. "Your bodies are scattered all over the street… that is not the way to do it," Trump stated, commenting on last week's missile attacks in Ukraine.
It was a horrific Sunday evening when Russia carried out a lethal drone and missile attack throughout Ukraine. A drone landed on one of the residential buildings in Kyiv, injuring eight individuals, including a child who was three years old. Ukrainian officials estimated that the attack included 324 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles.
Trump deplored the recurring attacks, saying, "We thought we had it settled numerous times," but Putin continued ratcheting up the attacks. The deadly campaign has made Trump's demand for peace more imperative and passionate.
Rebekah Koffler, an American military intelligence expert and Russia strategy expert, thinks Russia is already preparing for its next attack. In a recent column, she opined that Moldova might be the next target. But she added that Putin will not attack a NATO member country—unless NATO sends troops directly into Ukraine.
"What NATO does or doesn't do in the next couple of years could be extremely consequential," Koffler warned. Moldova, a tiny post-Soviet state with feeble military defences and persistent Russian influence, can become the next proving ground for Putin's goals.
Trump's warnings and Russia's missile strikes indicate a perilous tipping point. But experts say the real pressure point is not with Trump or Ukraine, but NATO. If the coalition determines to eschew boots on the ground, Putin might hesitate.
But if NATO goes in directly, it might encourage the Kremlin to probe NATO's Article 5 promise by invading smaller neighbours. Strategically positioned and politically vulnerable, Moldova becomes a real target in this game of escalation.
Trump threatened severe sanctions if Putin does not comply within the new deadline. But Putin is not yielding. Rather, his recent military offensive gives a hint of defiance.
Koffler added that Russia is apparently gearing up for another campaign, perhaps within a few years. The West must now answer a crucial question: Will it challenge Putin with a tougher NATO response, or will prudence allow him room to attack again?
As Trump narrows the deadline for peace in Ukraine, anxiety is growing that Russia's eyes are on Moldova. While blood is being shed in Ukraine, the geopolitical dimensions are widening.
Trump calls for action. NATO is being tested as much on its strength as on its unity. And Moldova sits anxiously in between history and the future.
