President Donald Trump has issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding an end to the Ukraine war or face crippling 100% tariffs on Russian exports. The move signals a tough U.S. stance to curb Russia’s aggression and stabilize Europe.
At a Monday press briefing, Trump labeled Putin “all talk” and vowed “very severe” secondary tariffs if hostilities persist beyond the deadline. These measures aim to choke Russia’s $2.4 trillion economy, heavily reliant on oil and gas exports.
The U.S. is ramping up military aid to Ukraine, with NATO allies funding and coordinating weapon transfers to Kyiv. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, standing beside Trump, hailed the initiative as a step toward “peace and stability.”
Trump emphasized that rising NATO defense spending sends a clear message to Moscow, promoting long-term regional security. The strategy leverages collective allied strength to pressure Russia into compliance.
To maximize economic impact, the White House is preparing secondary sanctions targeting third-party nations, particularly NATO members, still purchasing Russian oil. These countries contribute to Russia’s $300 billion annual oil and gas revenue, a third of its state income.
Fossil fuels account for over 60% of Russia’s exports, making these sanctions a potential blow to the Kremlin’s war financing.
Trump’s aggressive policy aims to disrupt Russia’s economic lifeline while bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The 50-day countdown has begun, with global markets and geopolitical analysts closely watching the outcome.
