Trump warns Russia of heavy tariffs and unveils new arms agreement with Ukraine
In a significant policy reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new arms deal to bolster Ukraine’s defense and threatened to impose heavy tariffs on Russia unless a peace agreement is reached within 50 days.
The announcement on Monday marks a sharp shift in U.S. strategy, coming just weeks after the Pentagon declared a pause on weapons shipments to Ukraine. Trump's move follows rising frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and aims to accelerate an end to Russia’s ongoing invasion, now in its fourth year.
Patriot Missiles and NATO Involvement
During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump expressed disappointment with Putin and pledged billions of dollars in advanced U.S. weaponry for Ukraine. He confirmed that Washington's NATO allies would finance the shipments, which include urgently requested Patriot air defense missile systems.
“We’re producing top-of-the-line weapons that will be delivered to NATO,” Trump said. “Some shipments will begin within days. One country has 17 Patriot systems ready for dispatch most of them will be directed to the frontline.”
Ultimatum to Putin: 50 Days for Peace
Trump warned that if Putin does not agree to a peace deal within 50 days, the U.S. would impose “very severe tariffs,” including 100 percent secondary tariffs targeting nations that continue trading with Russia.
“These will be secondary sanctions,” Trump stated. “If there’s no deal in 50 days, we’ll implement tariffs of up to 100 percent.”
This would represent a major escalation in Western sanctions policy. Until now, Western governments have avoided measures that would directly restrict Russia's global oil exports. Trump’s proposal includes targeting countries like China and India that continue to purchase Russian oil. A White House official confirmed that a draft bill is in the works, granting the president authority to impose up to 500 percent tariffs on nations supporting Russia economically.
Zelenskyy Welcomes Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he had spoken with Trump and thanked him for the renewed support. He also met Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, in Kyiv to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and expanding joint arms production with U.S. and European partners.
“We rely on U.S. leadership,” Zelenskyy said. “It’s clear Moscow will only be stopped by force.”
Changing Tone Toward Putin
Trump, who had previously promised to end the war within 24 hours and had favored diplomatic engagement with Moscow, now says he’s lost patience with Putin.
“My conversations with him are always pleasant. But then I find out another Ukrainian city was bombed,” Trump told reporters. He claimed that multiple peace proposals had nearly materialized, but were derailed by fresh Russian attacks.
Unlike previous presidents, Trump said he is “not fooled” by Putin’s tactics. “Talk doesn’t talk. Action talks. Putin knows what a fair deal looks like.”
NATO Applauds U.S. Shift
NATO’s Rutte welcomed the U.S. initiative, stating that it would provide Ukraine with significant capabilities, particularly in air defense and ammunition.
“If I were Vladimir Putin today, I’d start reconsidering my position,” Rutte said. He noted that several countries including Germany, Finland, the UK, and Canada are prepared to contribute to Ukraine’s rearmament.
European Reaction and German Commitment
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Trump’s decision as “an important step” and assured that Germany would play a “decisive role” in the initiative.
“We are doing this in our own strategic interest,” Merz said, adding that Germany is working with allies to finalize details of the plan.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also welcomed the move but emphasized urgency: “Fifty days is a long time when innocent civilians are dying daily. The pressure on Russia must continue to intensify.”
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