U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a stern warning to Russia, demanding an end to its war in Ukraine within 50 days or face crippling new economic sanctions, including 100% secondary tariffs on Russia’s trade partners.
“We’re very, very unhappy with Russia,” Trump told reporters during a White House meeting with NATO’s incoming chief, Mark Rutte. “If there’s no deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 percent are coming.”
Trump’s remarks mark a dramatic shift in tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, following months of perceived outreach by the Trump administration aimed at ending the war swiftly. Trump, who entered his second term in January, had promised to resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours — a vow that initially raised alarm in Kyiv.
Billions in U.S. Weapons Flowing to Ukraine
In a major policy turn, Trump and Rutte also unveiled a landmark NATO arms deal, under which the alliance will purchase U.S. military equipment, including Patriot missile defense systems, and distribute them to Ukraine.
“This is billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment, going to NATO, and quickly to the battlefield,” Trump announced.
Rutte added that Ukraine would receive “massive numbers” of weapons under the new arrangement.
This comes after Trump reversed an earlier U.S. position to pause arms deliveries to Kyiv, following mounting Russian drone and missile attacks that have devastated Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas in recent weeks.
Trump’s Patience with Putin Wears Thin
While Trump has long tried to position himself as a dealmaker between Moscow and Kyiv, recent escalations have reportedly tested his resolve. Speaking candidly, Trump said:
“I don’t want to say [Putin] is an assassin, but he’s a tough guy.”
The strong rhetoric coincided with the arrival of Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, in Kyiv for high-level talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky, who had previously expressed concerns about Trump’s stance, described their meeting as “productive,” praising the U.S. shift in policy and commitments to air defense and arms procurement.
“I’m grateful to President Trump for the important signals of support and the positive decisions for both our countries,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine Welcomes Support Amid Rising Russian Gains
Ukrainian troops and civilians alike welcomed the news. “Better late than never,” said a frontline soldier known as Grizzly, adding that the Patriots would protect families far from the front lines.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed fresh territorial gains on Monday, announcing the capture of two villages in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian officials also reported the deaths of at least three civilians in Kharkiv and Sumy due to ongoing Russian strikes.
Zelensky Moves to Reshape Government
As pressure mounts at home and abroad, Zelensky proposed a major political shake-up, recommending Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine’s new prime minister. Svyrydenko acknowledged the stakes, saying Ukraine was entering a "crucial time."
