Trump-Putin Bonhomie Implodes with Deadline to End Ukraine War

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Trump Threatens Russia with 100% Tariffs, Announces Fresh Weapons Support for Ukraine Amid Growing NATO Pressure

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, July 14, 2025 — US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that Moscow has 50 days to end its war in Ukraine or face 100% tariffs. Simultaneously, Trump announced a new round of weapons supplies to Ukraine, including missile systems and defensive gear, in coordination with NATO allies.

In a striking anecdote shared during his press briefing, Trump said, “I speak to Putin a lot about getting this done, and then missiles are launched into Kyiv or some other city… I go home and tell the First Lady, ‘I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation.’ She says, ‘Oh, really? Another city was just bombed.’”

The remarks, unusually candid and pointed, signal a shift in Trump’s posture toward the Kremlin after months of mixed messaging. The 50-day window aligns with the planned diplomatic track under NATO’s newly proposed ceasefire initiative, unveiled jointly with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

New Arms Package and NATO Coordination

While Trump stopped short of endorsing fresh US funding for Ukraine directly, he confirmed a major ramp-up of American weapons deliveries, facilitated via NATO. The plan includes missiles, armoured vehicles, and logistical support.

“This is a triumph for European diplomacy—especially for Germany,” wrote Bojan Pancevski of The Times, noting that Berlin has already supplied three full Patriot air defence systems, six launchers, and additional missiles to Ukraine. Germany is also expected to contribute two more systems valued at nearly €1 billion, while simultaneously arming Poland to shield the NATO arms corridor into Ukraine.

Trump, however, made clear that European allies will bear the financial burden. “We’re helping with arms, but they’re paying. And that’s how it should be,” he said, a continuation of his longstanding stance on NATO burden-sharing.

Tariff Threats and Congressional Coordination

Beyond military aid, Trump announced 100% tariffs on all Russian imports should no deal materialize by the deadline. The move is viewed as a calibrated alternative to the pending bipartisan legislation in Congress, which proposes a draconian 500% tariff on countries doing business with Russia.

Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reported that Trump acknowledged the bill, led by Senator John Thune, was “a pretty good piece of legislation” and is likely to pass with bipartisan support. Still, Trump suggested his executive action may suffice, adding, “I’m not sure we need it, but it’s good they’re doing it.”

Europe Buys US Arms, But Hesitation Remains

While NATO leaders welcomed Trump’s decision to accelerate weapons flow, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt offered a cautionary note. “Step by step Donald Trump is starting to see the real Vladimir Putin. That’s welcome—although late. But so far, he isn’t ready for new US support—just letting the Europeans buy U.S. weapons for Ukraine,” he wrote in a post on X.

Indeed, Trump’s decision delays punitive action against Russia by nearly two months, giving Moscow room to either negotiate or dig in. Critics warn that this window may embolden further aggression.

Nevertheless, the twin pillars of Trump’s new strategy—arming Ukraine via Europe and economically isolating Russia through tariffs—mark a hardening of US posture amid a critical phase in the 29-month-old war.

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