Donald Trump has given Russia 50 days to agree to peace or face 100 per cent import tariffs.
He also unveiled a NATO weapons deal for Ukraine, with Europe covering the full procurement costs.
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a bold 50-day ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine or face crippling 100 per cent tariffs on Russian imports.
Trump announced during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, expressing his frustration over the ongoing conflict and Moscow’s recent escalation of attacks. “We are very, very unhappy with [Russia], and we’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 per cent,” Trump declared.
The U.S. president, known for his tough stance on international trade and foreign policy, accused Putin of stalling peace efforts. “I’m disappointed in President Putin. I thought we would’ve had a deal two months ago,” Trump said, underscoring his impatience with the Kremlin’s approach to negotiations.
In a significant development, Trump revealed a new deal with NATO members to supply Ukraine with advanced military equipment, including at least 17 U.S.-manufactured Patriot missiles. However, he emphasized that European allies will foot the bill. “We’ve made a deal today where we are going to be sending them weapons, and Europe is going to be paying for them,” Trump said. “We’re not buying it, but we will manufacture it, and they’re going to be paying for it.”
Highlighting U.S. military capabilities, Trump added, “We make the best equipment, the best missiles, and everyone knows that. We’re going to be sending the best to NATO.”
He further criticized Putin’s wartime conduct, saying, “Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening.”
Trump also hinted at plans to supply offensive weapons to Ukraine, taking a swipe at the Biden administration’s previous handling of arms support. He claimed the new strategy would ensure accountability and full cost recovery from European governments.
As the war in Ukraine drags into its third year, Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and tariff threats represent a dramatic escalation in U.S. pressure on Russia. The ultimatum sets the stage for a tense 50-day countdown, with significant geopolitical and economic consequences if Moscow fails to respond.
