Trump Threatens ‘Very Severe’ Tariffs on Russia if No Ukraine Ceasefire Within 50 Days
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will impose “very severe” tariffs on Russia if it fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within the next 50 days.
Speaking at the White House during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, Trump voiced frustration with Moscow’s ongoing missile strikes and warned of economic consequences if diplomatic efforts stall.
“We’re very, very unhappy with Russia, and we’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in about 50 days,” Trump said.
He suggested the measures could include a 100 percent “secondary” tariff, targeting countries and entities that continue doing business with Russia.
Trump, who has long vowed to end the war swiftly if re-elected, acknowledged mounting pressure from lawmakers in his own party to take a harder stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, he stopped short of endorsing a bipartisan sanctions bill currently advancing through the Senate.
“The only one we haven’t been able to get to yet is Russia. And I’m not happy,” Trump added. “It’s all talk and then missiles go into Kyiv and kill 60 people. It’s got to stop.”
The proposed sanctions legislation, which has garnered support from more than 85 senators, is expected to be brought to the floor later this month. But Trump expressed caution, saying:
“I’m not sure we need it. It could be very useful — we’ll have to see.”
He confirmed plans to meet with Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), a key supporter of the bill.
Trump also announced a new deal with NATO to deliver weapons to Ukraine, noting that the alliance would bear most of the financial cost. The agreement comes as some allies express concern about waning Western resolve in the third year of Russia’s invasion.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading to tens of thousands of casualties and a protracted military stalemate. Trump has previously claimed he could resolve the conflict “within 24 hours” of taking office — a statement he later admitted was partly “sarcastic.”
With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Trump’s evolving position on the war — balancing tough talk with reluctance to commit to Congressional sanctions — has further widened divisions among Republicans and tested the U.S.’s position on the global stage.
