ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that Russia will face crippling 100% tariffs, referred to as “secondary tariffs”, within 50 days if no agreement is reached to end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking from the White House during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed frustration over what he called a missed opportunity to end the conflict.
“We’re very disappointed with them. I thought we’d have a deal months ago,” Trump said. “If there’s no deal in 50 days, we’re going to impose very severe tariffs—100% secondary tariffs.”
The new deadline marks an escalation in Trump’s pressure campaign on Moscow. While he had previously floated the idea of secondary tariffs on Russian oil and exports, this is the first time he has attached a specific timetable to the threat.
Secondary tariffs target not just Russia directly, but also countries and companies that continue to trade with it, particularly in energy. Analysts say such tariffs could hit nations like China, India, Brazil, and Turkiye, all of which remain major consumers of Russian fossil fuels.
Trump’s remarks also signal a shift in tone on Ukraine. He announced that the U.S. will deliver billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment to NATO allies, purchased by European partners, who will then transfer the arms to Ukrainian forces.
The move, combined with the tariff warning, underscores the president’s growing impatience with Putin and signals a firmer stance on the conflict.
The Trump administration is also reportedly considering supplying Ukraine with advanced U.S.-made JASSM cruise missiles to enhance their aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets. These long-range, radar-evading missiles could give Ukraine deeper strike capabilities inside Russian territory.
While Trump has previously threatened secondary tariffs on countries importing oil from Venezuela and Iran, Monday’s warning marks the most direct economic threat yet aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Whether the pressure will bring Russia to the negotiating table remains uncertain, but the clock is now ticking toward a September deadline.
