Lindsey Graham warns Russia: Trump seeks peace in Ukraine, but don't test him
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (Photo: Getty Images)
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that US President Donald Trump seeks peace, not conflict with Russia. At the same time, he advised the Kremlin not to mess around with the American leader, according to a post on Graham’s account on social platform X.
“President Trump seeks peace not conflict. However, please understand that he is not Obama, he is not Biden, and he will not be trifled with. You are overplaying your hand,” Graham wrote, addressing his message to friends in Russia.
To my friends in Russia:
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 1, 2025
President Trump seeks peace not conflict. However, please understand that he is not Obama, he is not Biden, and he will not be trifled with.
You are overplaying your hand. pic.twitter.com/3pDDg3EINz
Trump’s deadline and sanctions threat
In mid-July, US President Donald Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a 50-day deadline to sign a peace deal with Ukraine.
If Russia refused, Trump warned he would impose sanctions not only on the Kremlin but also on any countries continuing to purchase Russian oil.
However, on July 29, Trump shortened the deadline to just 10 days - until August 8 - citing a lack of progress from Moscow in ending the war.
The Kremlin ignored the ultimatum, declaring its intent to continue the war until Ukraine is completely destroyed.
In response to the shortened deadline, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev called it a step toward war and threatened the US with nuclear retaliation.
Trump called Medvedev’s remarks a provocation and ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russia’s coast.
Furthermore, the US president declared that the US is prepared for a nuclear conflict with Russia.
