President Donald Trump issued a new policy shift Monday, announcing Russia tariffs and military escalation to pressure Moscow into ending its war on Ukraine. Speaking alongside NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, Trump pledged 17 U.S.-made Patriot missile systems to Ukraine and threatened 100 percent tariffs on nations trading with Russia if no peace deal emerges within 50 days.
“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days,” Trump said. “It’s very simple, and they’ll be at 100 percent.” The tariffs would strike at Russia’s global partners, placing economic weight behind the push for a ceasefire.
The 17 Patriot systems—funded and delivered by NATO allies—mark a significant boost to Ukraine’s air defense. The Trump administration is also considering sending long-range missiles capable of striking inside Russia, including Moscow, according to Axios. Until now, U.S. aid to Ukraine has focused on defensive weapons only.
Trump signaled his growing frustration with Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying, “He talks nice but then he bombs everybody in the evening.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed the move, citing a “lack of progress” in achieving a ceasefire.
Trump’s pressure campaign revives American leadership in NATO and signals that the days of unchecked Russian aggression are numbered.
