NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, a senior American diplomat told the United Nations Security Council.

“Both Russia and Ukraine must come to the table to negotiate a ceasefire and a lasting peace. The time for a deal is now. President Trump has made it clear—this must happen by August 8. The United States is ready to take further steps to ensure peace,” said John Kelley, a senior US diplomat, addressing the 15-member council.

Trump warned earlier this week that the U.S. would begin imposing tariffs and other punitive measures against Russia "10 days from today" if Moscow fails to show concrete progress toward ending the war.

This year, Kyiv and Moscow have met three times in Istanbul, leading to prisoner and body exchanges, but no significant progress toward resolving the conflict, which has now stretched beyond three years.

“We plan to continue negotiations in Istanbul,” said Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy. However, he added: “Despite these meetings, the so-called war party in the West remains active. We still hear voices claiming diplomacy is just a tool to criticize and pressure Russia.”

Ukraine’s Deputy UN Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn emphasized that Russia must face international unity and decisive action.

“We seek a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace based on the principles of the U.N. Charter. Nothing less will suffice,” she said. “A full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire is the first step toward ending Russia’s war of aggression.”