US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States will impose “very severe” tariffs on Russia if no agreement is reached to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said he is disappointed in Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I’m very, very unhappy with what Russia is doing. If there’s no ceasefire deal in 50 days, we will impose 100% tariffs,” Trump told reporters, according to Reuters. Trump also described the proposed measures as "secondary tariffs," meaning they could apply not only to Russia but also to countries doing business with it. What will the US and NATO do? Trump announced that NATO members will buy “billions and billions” of dollars’ worth of weapons from the United States. These weapons including Patriot missile defence systems will then be sent to Ukraine. Trump said the move should show Russian President Vladimir Putin that the US is serious about ending the war. “He knows what a fair deal is,” Trump said. “We want peace.” Mark Rutte supported the plan, saying that NATO’s quick action was important. “Speed is of the essence here,” he said. He confirmed that countries like Germany, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Denmark would take part in the purchase of weapons for Ukraine. What is Europe’s role? Trump said he is pleased that European countries are increasing their defence budgets. At a recent NATO meeting, several members agreed to raise their military spending to 5% of GDP. “Ultimately, having a very strong Europe is a good thing,” Trump said. Rutte said the European support would help Ukraine defend itself. “These weapons should make President Putin reconsider peace negotiations,” he said. What does this mean for Russia? Trump expressed disappointment with Putin, saying that while their personal conversations were often “pleasant,” violence would follow soon after. “Then missiles go off that night,” Trump said. He said the threat of tariffs and new military aid is meant to push Russia toward a deal. The president also said that Senate Republicans are working on a sanctions package but added, “I’m not sure we need it.” He said he may act on his own with tariffs before any legislation is passed. What is Ukraine saying? Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Zelenskyy said the two had a “productive conversation” about strengthening Ukraine’s air defence, joint arms production, and further US support. Zelenskyy added, “We hope for the leadership of the United States, because it is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its ambitions are stopped by force.” What happens next? German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to meet US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss the transfer of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine. Trump and Rutte said this could happen within days. The AP also reported that Europe’s trade ministers are meeting to discuss Trump’s broader tariff plans, including the 30% tariffs he announced on the EU starting August 1. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said talks with the US should continue. “We have always been clear that we prefer a negotiated solution,” she said in Brussels. (With Inputs from Reuters and AP)
