US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that ‘severe tariffs’ of up to 100% will be imposed on Russia’s trading partners if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days. This announcement followed a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, where Trump voiced his frustration with Moscow’s actions in the Ukraine conflict.
During the meeting, Trump accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of unnecessarily prolonging the conflict by committing the US to spend $350 billion on aid for Ukraine. He argued that this financial commitment had not led to a resolution but instead exacerbated the situation. Trump suggested that if the conflict remains unresolved after 50 days, the tariffs would serve as the next step in pressuring Russia to negotiate.
Trump also referenced a potential congressional bill that would expand sanctions against Russia. While he expressed doubt about the necessity of such measures, he acknowledged that the bill could provide additional leverage. Importantly, he explained that imposing secondary tariffs on countries engaging in trade with Russia would not require Senate approval, highlighting his administration’s flexibility in applying economic pressure.
Further, Trump announced a plan to supply weapons to Ukraine through NATO channels, emphasizing that Ukraine would bear the cost of these military supplies. This move was in stark contrast to Russia’s public stance, which has consistently condemned Western military aid to Ukraine, accusing the West of prolonging the conflict and making no meaningful impact on its resolution.
The Russian stock market responded positively to Trump’s remarks, with the main Moscow Exchange index rising nearly 3% in a single day. This reaction underscores the potential financial implications of Trump’s statements, which could influence global markets and economic decisions in the coming weeks.
Overall, the announcement highlights the growing role of trade sanctions and military support in shaping the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict. It also reflects the strategic considerations of US foreign policy under Trump, including the use of economic pressure and alliances to achieve political objectives in a complex global conflict.