Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Vladimir Putin, threatening secondary tariffs of up to 100 per cent on Russia’s key trade partners, including China and India, unless a peace agreement is reached within 50 days. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the US President warned of “very severe tariffs” in an attempt to pressure Moscow into ending its war in Ukraine. While Trump stated that the sanctions are aimed at isolating Russia, critics voiced concern that the 50-day window could allow Putin and Beijing time to circumvent consequences.
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In addition to the sanctions threat, Trump announced a major new weapons agreement under which NATO allies will finance the delivery of advanced military equipment to Ukraine. Among the arms expected to be included are long-range missiles and Patriot air defence systems, with Germany, Norway and Canada among the countries set to participate. The deal, according to Trump, will see the United States manufacture and deliver the weapons, but without bearing the financial burden.
Despite previously criticising Ukraine’s leadership and calling US military aid a misuse of taxpayer funds, Trump shifted tone, criticising Putin directly for failing to take peace talks seriously. Referring to repeated missile strikes on Kyiv, he said he had grown sceptical of Putin’s intentions, having previously believed progress was being made through dialogue. The announcement appears to mark a firmer stance from Trump amid mounting pressure from Republican allies, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, to take a more forceful approach.
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Still, the 50-day deadline has drawn mixed reactions. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas questioned whether the time frame gave Russia too much leeway. Meanwhile, a report due out this week claims Trump’s foreign policy has weakened US global influence, giving Beijing room to expand its reach. With Putin reportedly planning to escalate ground operations within the same time frame, questions remain over the real impact of the US president’s latest warning.
