Trump threatens Russia with tariffs if Ukraine war is not resolved in 50 days
Washington, DC – In a significant policy shift, US President Donald Trump announced a new agreement to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry while issuing a stern ultimatum to Russia, threatening severe tariffs if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days. The announcement, made on July 14, 2025, during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, marks a departure from Trump’s earlier hesitancy to supply arms to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Trump revealed that the US has struck a deal with NATO allies to supply Ukraine with military equipment, including Patriot air defense systems, with European nations covering the costs. “We’re sending them weapons, and they’re going to be paying for them,” Trump stated, emphasizing that the US would not bear the financial burden. NATO’s Rutte described the agreement as a significant step, noting that it reflects European allies “stepping up” to support Ukraine.
The US leader also set a 50-day deadline for Russia to negotiate a ceasefire with Ukraine, warning of “very severe tariffs” if no agreement is reached by September 2, 2025. These measures include 100 percent tariffs on Russian goods and secondary tariffs targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, and other energy products. The White House clarified that Trump has the authority to impose tariffs as high as 500 percent on nations supporting Russia’s war efforts, a move aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Trump’s commitment, stating on Telegram that he had spoken with the US president and thanked him for supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of continued cooperation to halt the violence and achieve a lasting peace.
The announcement follows a period of frustration for Trump, who has voiced disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to advance peace talks. Despite earlier US pauses in arms shipments to Ukraine, Trump’s latest decision signals a renewed commitment to bolstering Kyiv’s military capabilities. The move comes in the wake of intensified Russian attacks, including a barrage of four missiles and 136 drones launched into Ukraine overnight into Monday, as reported by Ukraine’s air force.
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In Congress, a bipartisan bill backed by Republican leaders could grant Trump the power to impose steep tariffs on nations aiding Russia. However, GOP leaders are awaiting Trump’s approval to move forward with a vote.
While Trump’s strategy aims to pressure Russia into negotiations, some pro-Kremlin voices, including former Putin aide Sergei Markov, dismissed the tariff threats as a “bluff,” suggesting Trump has abandoned efforts to secure peace in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Moscow Stock Exchange Index rose sharply after the announcement, indicating that investors may have anticipated harsher measures from the US president.