Trump's ultimatum gives Russia a chance to wear down Ukraine

Ukrainian resistance, however, makes it unlikely Russia will make any quick gains

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US 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.

The dogged Ukrainian resistance, however, makes it unlikely that the Russian military will make any quick gains.

Russia's conditions

President Vladimir Putin has declared repeatedly that any peace deal should see Ukraine withdraw from the four regions that Russia illegally annexed in September 2022, but never fully captured. He also wants Ukraine to renounce its bid to join Nato and accept strict limits on its armed forces — demands Kyiv and its Western allies have rejected.