EU Hails Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum as a Positive Step Toward Peace
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has praised US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Russia’s trading partners unless a peace deal with Ukraine is reached within 50 days, calling it a ‘positive’ step toward de-escalation. The move, which has drawn warnings from Moscow that it could be seen as a green light for Kyiv to prolong the conflict, highlights the deepening tensions between Russia and the West.
Trump’s declaration of ‘very, very unhappy’ with the slow negotiation process and his ‘severe’ secondary tariffs of up to 100% has underscored the growing pressure on both sides. Kallas, known for her hawkish stance on Moscow, stated that while Trump’s deadline is a positive step, 50 days may not be sufficient to pressure Russia into a settlement. She emphasized the need for increased military support for Ukraine.
Russia’s repeated condemnation of Western arms supplies and sanctions as illegal under international law underscores the complexity of the situation. Recent negotiations in Istanbul have seen major prisoner swaps and proposals for a settlement, but Moscow remains open to dialogue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that Trump’s ultimatum could be misinterpreted in Kyiv as a signal to continue the conflict rather than seek peace.
While Kallas and European leaders view Trump’s ultimatum as a strategic move to push for peace, Moscow has positioned it as a potential catalyst for further hostilities. The divergent interpretations of Trump’s stance could complicate the delicate peace process, with both sides wary of any missteps that might tip the balance in their favor.
As the 50-day deadline approaches, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that could bring an end to the protracted conflict. The outcome of these negotiations will likely have significant implications for global geopolitics and the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty.