On the 31st (local time), the U.S. representative to the United Nations urged Russia and Ukraine to come to a ceasefire agreement by August 8th. Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations, John Kelly, stated at a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York that it is time for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a ceasefire and sustainable peace. He mentioned that U.S. President Donald Trump made it clear that an agreement should be reached by August 8th.
Kelly also expressed that the United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace. His statement is seen as a follow-up warning after President Trump announced high-level sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has ignored calls for a ceasefire. On the 14th, President Trump warned that should Russia not agree to a ceasefire in the Ukraine war within 50 days, high tariffs would be imposed on Russia. On the 29th, he revised this, stating that tariffs would be imposed if a ceasefire is not agreed upon within 10 days.
Furthermore, during the Security Council meeting, Kelly warned of the strengthening military relations between Russia and North Korea, including North Korea’s military support to Russia. He noted that North Korea has provided Russia with ammunition, missiles, military equipment, and about 12,000 troops. Such transfers and Russia’s training support to North Korean troops violate numerous Security Council resolutions and endanger peace and security in both Europe and the Korean Peninsula.