The United States will impose severe economic penalties on Russia’s trade partners unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal ending the war in Ukraine within 50 days, President Donald Trump declared Monday, signaling heightened tensions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The warning, delivered alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, underscores a strategic escalation in Trump’s efforts to pressure both Russia and its allies to halt the conflict.
During an Oval Office meeting, Trump emphasized his administration’s growing impatience with Russia’s actions. “We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days,” he stated, specifying that these “secondary tariffs” would target nations conducting business with Russia, aiming to disrupt its access to global markets. The move reflects a shift toward isolating Moscow economically while rallying European allies to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
A separate agreement announced during the meeting outlined plans for NATO members to purchase “billions of dollars” worth of U.S. military equipment destined for Ukraine. This dual approach—combining economic pressure with enhanced military support—aligns with Trump’s repeated campaign pledges to resolve the war swiftly. Throughout the 2024 election cycle, he vowed to end the conflict “in 24 hours” if reelected, citing his rapport with Putin.
Since taking office in January, however, Trump’s rhetoric has evolved. While initially suggesting Russia showed greater willingness to negotiate than Ukraine, his criticism of Kyiv’s leadership intensified earlier this year. He labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” accusing him of prolonging the war. Yet Moscow’s sustained attacks on Ukrainian cities appears to have altered Trump’s calculus. In April, he publicly urged Putin to “STOP!” missile strikes on Kyiv, later condemning the Russian leader’s tactics as “CRAZY” in a social media post as bombardment persisted.
Analysts note that the proposed tariffs mark a rare convergence of Trump’s long-standing preference for economic leverage and NATO’s security priorities. Secondary sanctions could complicate trade relationships for countries still engaging with Russia, though specifics of the plan remain unclear. Meanwhile, the weapons deal highlights ongoing transatlantic coordination, even as European nations navigate domestic debates over military spending.
The 50-day deadline places immediate pressure on Moscow, though diplomatic observers question whether Kyiv or Moscow would accept terms brokered under such constraints. Ukraine has consistently rejected territorial concessions, while Russia continues to demand recognition of its annexed regions. The coming weeks may test the viability of Trump’s dual-track strategy—and the resilience of a conflict now entering its third year.
