Trump Threatens Russia with Tariffs, Ramps Up Arms for Ukraine

50-Day Peace Deadline Issued as Frustration Mounts

President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Russia, threatening significant tariffs if a peace deal for Ukraine isn’t brokered within 50 days. Simultaneously, he announced a renewed effort to bolster Ukraine’s arsenal through enhanced weapons shipments, signaling a tougher stance toward Moscow amidst ongoing war.

New Pressure on Moscow

The president’s shifting approach comes after a period of unsuccessful peace negotiations. While previously critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump has recently voiced increasing exasperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It just keeps going on and on and on,” Trump stated, referencing the daily casualties. “Every night, people are dying.”

Trump revealed plans for “severe tariffs” targeting Russia’s trading partners to isolate Moscow economically, should a peace agreement not materialize within the specified timeframe. He emphasized his willingness to leverage trade as a tool for conflict resolution, stating, “I use trade for a lot of things… But it’s great for settling wars.”

European Allies to Fund Weapons for Ukraine

In a significant development announced alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed that European allies would procure billions of dollars worth of U.S. military equipment to supply Ukraine. This initiative aims to replenish Ukraine’s dwindling weapon stocks, with Patriot air defense systems identified as a critical priority.

Rutte indicated that nations including Germany, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Denmark would be among the purchasers. He stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “Speed is of the essence here,” and expressed hope that these shipments would compel Putin to “reconsider” peace negotiations.

Trump’s Evolving Stance on Putin

Trump, who previously highlighted his rapport with Putin and suggested Russia was more amenable to peace, has grown increasingly frustrated by the ongoing conflict. He had previously criticized Zelensky for allowing the war to persist. However, Russia’s persistent attacks on civilian areas have seemingly worn down Trump‘s patience.

Trump‘s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, met with Zelensky in Kyiv. Zelensky described the meeting as “productive,” focusing on strengthening Ukrainian air defenses, joint arms production, and coordinated purchasing of U.S. weaponry. He stated, “We hope for the leadership of the United States, because it is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its … ambitions are stopped by force.”

Patriot Missile Shipments Under Discussion

The U.S. is confirmed to be sending more crucial Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. European Union member states will finance these sophisticated weapon systems, as confirmed by Trump. While the EU itself cannot purchase weapons, individual member nations can, as exemplified by Germany’s offer to finance two Patriot systems.

The UN human rights mission in Ukraine reported that June saw the highest monthly civilian casualties in three years, with 232 deaths and 1,343 injuries. Russia’s drone and missile launches increased tenfold in June compared to the previous year, exacerbating the strain on Ukraine’s air defenses. As of mid-2024, Ukraine’s air defense systems have intercepted over 90% of incoming Russian missiles and drones, according to Ukrainian officials, though the volume of attacks remains a significant challenge.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, commented on the potential turning point in the conflict. He predicted, “In the coming days, you’ll see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves… One of the biggest miscalculations Putin has made is to play Trump. And you just watch, in the coming days and weeks, there’s going to be a massive effort to get Putin to the table.”

Despite these developments, Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy for international investment, dismissed the pressure tactics. He stated on Telegram, “Constructive dialogue between Russia and the United States is more effective than doomed-to-fail attempts at pressure. This dialogue will continue, despite titanic efforts to disrupt it by all possible means.”