Trump Issues Ultimatum to Russia: 100% Tariffs If No Ukraine Resolution in 50 Days
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Russia that it must resolve its conflict in Ukraine within the next 50 days or face severe economic penalties, including proposed tariffs of up to 100%. This statement was made during a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House, where Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s actions.
“We’re extremely displeased with Russia,” Trump stated to reporters. He elaborated on the potential tariffs, which he described as “secondary tariffs” aimed at Russia’s trade partners, intending to further undermine Moscow’s ability to cope with existing Western sanctions.
During this meeting, Trump and Rutte also announced an agreement for NATO to procure military equipment from the United States—specifically Patriot anti-missile batteries—to be distributed to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
“This deal involves billions of dollars’ worth of military supplies that will be purchased from the U.S., sent to NATO, and then quickly delivered to the front lines,” Trump explained.
Rutte mentioned that Ukraine would receive “substantial quantities” of arms under this arrangement.
Following his second inauguration in January, Trump had attempted to foster a better relationship with Putin, aiming to fulfill his campaign pledge to end the war in Ukraine swiftly. However, his approach raised concerns in Kyiv about a potential abandonment of Ukrainian interests after contentious interactions between Trump’s team and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this year.
Despite previously seeking rapprochement with Putin, Trump’s recent comments reflect growing frustration towards the Russian leader as hostilities have intensified rather than diminished. On Monday, he remarked about Putin: “I don’t want to label him an assassin, but he’s certainly a tough character.”
In anticipation of an announcement regarding Russia last week, Trump revealed plans on Sunday to supply critical Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine amid escalating Russian offensives. This followed a reversal by Washington on earlier statements suggesting a halt on some arms deliveries.
Rutte’s visit marks the first since he affectionately referred to Trump as “daddy” during a NATO summit last June.
In recent weeks, Moscow has launched unprecedented drone and missile attacks leading to a significant increase in civilian casualties across Ukraine according to UN data.
Trump’s statement coincided with his special envoy Keith Kellogg’s arrival in Kyiv for discussions with Zelensky. The Ukrainian president characterized their meeting as “productive” and noted discussions centered on enhancing air defenses and collaborating on defense procurement within Europe.
Zelensky expressed gratitude towards President Trump for demonstrating support through positive decisions beneficial for both nations.
A Ukrainian soldier known by his call sign Grizzly expressed appreciation for Trump’s commitment regarding new air defense systems: “Better late than never,” he told AFP.
He added that while they are stationed at the front lines defending their territory, their families back home need protection too; thus, the Patriots will help ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, Russian forces reported territorial gains in eastern Ukraine by capturing two villages—one each from Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions—and were also implicated in civilian casualties reported by local officials in Kharkiv and Sumy regions.
In Kyiv, Zelensky also suggested significant political changes by proposing Yulia Svyrydenko as the new prime minister amidst what she described as a “critical time” for Ukraine.
