Egypt Daily News – President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that unless Russia ends its war in Ukraine within 50 days, Moscow and its trade partners could face punitive tariffs of up to 100%. The threat comes amid mounting frustration over stalled peace efforts and continuing violence in the region.
Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed deep disappointment with Putin, stating, “I’m very disappointed in President Putin. I expected something different. I thought we would have reached an agreement two months ago, but it’s clear now that’s unlikely.”
Trump further warned that if no progress is made within the 50-day window, the U.S. will impose what he described as “secondary tariffs” targeting countries and entities maintaining economic relations with Russia. “We’re going to impose very high tariffs if we don’t have a deal within 50 days,” he said, adding, “I use trade in many ways, it’s a great tool to end wars.”
President Trump was sharply critical of Russia’s actions, claiming that after every conversation with Putin, missile attacks on Ukraine resume. “Every time it looks like there’s a potential agreement, Moscow launches strikes on Kyiv,” Trump said. He also announced that the U.S., in coordination with NATO, would send Patriot air defense missile batteries to Ukraine in the coming days.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the U.S. decision to bolster Ukraine’s defenses a “crucial step,” underscoring the alliance’s continued support for Kyiv in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
In response to Trump’s comments, Russian officials criticized the tone and substance of his warnings, accusing Washington of obstructing peace efforts. In a statement, a Russian political analyst said that Trump’s language reflects a broader U.S. strategy aimed not at resolving the conflict, but at prolonging it.
“The Kremlin views these threats with extreme caution,” the analyst said, emphasizing that Moscow has consistently called for addressing the root causes of the conflict as a prerequisite for any comprehensive settlement, a position President Putin has reiterated on multiple occasions.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to Russian sources, recently submitted a peace proposal to his American counterpart. However, they claim that the U.S. response manifested in Trump’s recent remarks, amounts to a rejection of diplomatic engagement.
“There is a deliberate effort to obstruct negotiations and extend the duration of the war,” the analyst added. “Moscow is closely watching these developments and believes that the United States is relying on pressure and threats rather than pursuing a genuine political solution.”
As the war grinds on and diplomatic channels remain blocked, tensions between Washington and Moscow appear to be escalating, raising new concerns about the prospects for peace in the region.
