War against Ukraine

US President Trump has threatened Russia's trading partners with punitive tariffs of up to 100 percent, which he said would be imposed if no agreement is reached within 50 days in efforts to end the war.

US President Donald Trump wants to use punitive tariffs to force Moscow to agree to an end to the Russian war against Ukraine."We will impose very strict tariffs if we don't reach an agreement within 50 days," he said at a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. He threatened Russia's allies with punitive tariffs of up to 100 percent.

The US president did not say how the tariffs would be implemented."I use trade for many things," Trump said."But it's great for ending wars." The US has spent approximately $350 billion on the war and would like to see it end.

It is still unclear which countries the tariffs would apply to. Russia would also be affected, the Reuters news agency quoted a White House official as saying. Trump initially spoke of tariffs on Moscow's trading partners, which could mean major buyers like China and India.

Trump threatens Russia's trading partners with 100 percent tariffs and announces arms deal tagesschau24, July 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m.

Rutte: Agreement on"massive" arms deliveries

Rutte explained that the US and NATO had also agreed on "massive" arms deliveries to Ukraine. The agreement means"that Ukraine will get its hands on truly massive quantities of military equipment." According to the agreement, US weapons such as anti-aircraft systems, missiles, and ammunition will be paid for by European countries like Germany.

Trump reiterated that the planned deliveries also include Patriot air defense systems. He said he was"disappointed" in Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, who talks about peace but relentlessly bombs Ukraine.

For Trump, this is a change of direction. He had long hoped to end the war through negotiations and had spoken with Putin on the phone several times. Recently, he had expressed his displeasure more and more frequently, saying on Sunday, for example:"I'm very disappointed in President Putin. I thought he was someone who meant what he said."

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed Trump's ultimatum, but also criticized the timeframe. It was"very positive" that Trump was taking a tough stance toward Russia, she said."On the other hand, 50 days is a very long time."

Rutte wants to meet ministers

Rutte also planned to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as well as representatives of Congress, in Washington. Representatives of both parties are working on legislation that would impose 500 percent tariffs on goods from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other goods. This would primarily affect China and India.

The bill has overwhelming support in the Senate, but Republican leaders are waiting for the green light from Trump. The president had announced an"important statement" on Russia for today.

The government in Kyiv is pushing for the delivery of additional air defense systems. Trump's special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Zelensky subsequently stated that he had a"productive conversation" with the retired lieutenant general about strengthening Ukraine's air defenses, joint weapons production, the purchase of US weapons in consultation with European countries, and the possibility of tougher sanctions against the Kremlin.