President Donald Trump on Monday warned that Russia would face tariffs if the war in Ukraine isn’t resolved within 50 days — a move that reflects his increasing impatience with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said the U.S. would impose what he called “very severe” secondary tariffs — penalties not only on Russia but also on its trading partners, aiming to further isolate Moscow economically.
“I use trade for a lot of things,” Trump said. “But it’s great for settling wars.”
In addition to the tariff ultimatum, Trump and Rutte discussed renewed efforts to arm Ukraine through a coordinated NATO effort. The plan involves European countries purchasing U.S.-made weapons to be delivered to Ukraine. Trump said the total value would amount to “billions and billions” of dollars.
Rutte confirmed that nations including Germany, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Denmark would participate in the arms purchases. He emphasized the urgency of the effort, saying swift action could pressure Putin to return to the negotiating table.
