In a bold new move, President Donald Trump has laid down a deadline for Moscow: make meaningful progress toward peace in Ukraine within the next 50 days, or face severe trade penalties.
It’s a high-stakes ultimatum that blends diplomacy with economic muscle—and it’s got the world watching closely.
“Enough Talk”: Trump Threatens Up to 100% Tariffs on Russia
Speaking at a press briefing, Trump made it clear he’s running out of patience with Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“All I keep hearing is talk, talk, talk,” he said, visibly frustrated.
If no agreement is reached within the 50-day window, the U.S. will hit Russia with secondary tariffs as high as 100%.
Trump’s plan directly challenges a separate proposal from Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been pushing for 500% tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.
Trump argued his plan would make Graham’s bill unnecessary if it’s implemented.
NATO to Pick Up the Tab for U.S. Weapons Headed to Ukraine
Trump didn’t stop at economic threats. He also announced a new defense deal involving NATO allies.
Under this arrangement, the United States will produce weapons—including 17 Patriot air defense systems—but Europe will foot the bill.
The weapons will be delivered to Europe, with many expected to arrive in Ukraine within days.
Trump made it clear: “We’re not buying them. We’re producing them, and they’re paying.” It’s a clear shift toward having NATO bear more of the financial burden in supporting Ukraine.
He invited Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to speak on the agreement, emphasizing that the deal was struck in the spirit of shared responsibility.
The weapons boost is expected to significantly enhance Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks.
Markets React While the Clock Starts Ticking
Trump voiced hope that his warning might prompt Russia and Ukraine to take steps toward peace.
But even before any formal diplomatic movement, the financial world reacted.
The Moscow Exchange Index jumped 2.4%, reaching 2,705 points—not exactly the panic reaction some might expect.
Still, the combination of threatened sanctions and increased military aid signals a more aggressive U.S. stance: apply pressure on Moscow while empowering Kyiv—all without spending American taxpayer dollars.
A New Chapter or More of the Same?
With the 50-day clock now ticking, global attention is turning toward how Russia will respond.
Will the threat of new tariffs force movement at the negotiating table? Or will tensions only escalate further?
For now, Trump seems content letting the pressure build: financially on Moscow, strategically through NATO, and politically on the global stage. But as ever in geopolitics, only time will tell how it all plays out.