Trump Threatens Russia with Tariffs, Promises Advanced Weapons for Ukraine via NATO
U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to deliver advanced weaponry to Ukraine through NATO countries and threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russia’s trade partners if no peace deal is reached within 50 days, as reported by Bloomberg.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington, Trump announced the transfer of «top-of-the-line» U.S. military equipment to Ukraine, with European allies expected to cover the financial costs. Patriot air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition are reportedly part of the package, although specific details remain limited.
«This is a message to Russia: we’re serious,» Trump said. Rutte added that if he were President Putin, he would start «taking negotiations more seriously.»
On the economic front, Trump warned that countries continuing trade with Russia — such as purchasing oil — could face 100% import taxes when exporting goods to the United States. For instance, if India maintains oil purchases from Russia, Indian exports to the U.S. would become significantly more expensive, potentially pricing them out of the market.
This move is designed to undermine Russia’s wartime revenues, particularly from energy exports, which account for over 60% of its foreign trade and nearly a third of its state budget.
Despite the threats, Russia’s stock market rose, likely because investors anticipated even harsher measures. Meanwhile, former Putin advisor Sergei Markov dismissed Trump’s tariff threat as «a bluff.»
This marks Trump’s first formal commitment to supplying new military aid to Ukraine since his return to the White House. However, his rhetoric toward Russia, and President Putin, has notably shifted, growing harsher in tone.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the initiative, expressing gratitude after a meeting with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv.
With 50 days on the clock, the global community will be watching closely, not only for Moscow’s reaction but for signs of progress or further escalation in the conflict.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that The United States has cut $500 mln in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
