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Trump 'traps himself' by shortening deadline on Ukraine deal — French diplomat

"Trump has to look for a solution that will allow him to keep the face," Sylvie Bermann said

PARIS, August 4. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has backed himself into a corner by shortening the deadline for a deal on the Ukrainian settlement from 50 days down to ten, France’s former Ambassador to Russia (2017-2019) Sylvie Bermann said.

"He has trapped himself by setting a shorter period for the settlement, giving himself no time to weigh other options," she said in an interview with the LCI television channel.

"Now, Trump has to look for a solution that will allow him to keep the face," she noted. "So, he sends Steven Witkoff to Moscow. I think the idea is to buy some time and not to implement the ultimatum."

Trump warned on July 14 that the US will impose near-100% tariffs on Russia and its trading partners if Moscow and Washington do not reach an agreement on resolving the conflict in Ukraine within 50 days. On July 29, he expressed disappointment with Russia and the slow progress on the Ukrainian settlement and announced his intention to shorten his previously set 50-day deadline for a deal to ten days.

Earlier on Monday, sources told TASS that US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia on August 6.

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Large package of documents to be prepared for BRICS summit in Kazan — Lavrov

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Ukraine conflict likely to be resolved with Russian victory, US expert says

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Bank of Russia sets dollar rate at 77.27 rubles for December 9

The official euro rate was increased by one ruble to 89.7054 rubles

Lenin bust unveiled in Venezuela’s capital

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Tucker Carlson hopes to visit Russia again

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Zelensky says new proposals for peace plan to be submitted to US on December 9

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Putin says Russia needs to do more to help its businesses

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No one wants to share responsibility for seizing Russian assets with Belgium — Kremlin

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Foreigners wishing to move to Russia are calling Putin's Direct Line

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France does not want to expropriate Russian assets held in its private banks — FT

French banks hold around 18 bln euros in Russian assets, which is the second-highest figure in Europe, the paper said

Legitimate authorities regain control of situation in Benin — news agency

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Putin extends ban for residents to buy stakes in foreign companies without permit

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F1 Red Bull supremo Helmut Marko to part ways with racing team at end of year

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Thai PM Charnvirakul says he ‘doesn’t remember’ peace deal with Cambodia

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