Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will impose 100% tariffs on Russia’s trading partners if Moscow does not reach a peace agreement with Ukraine in the next 50 days. The measure, described by the president as “secondary tariffs,” aims to pressure Vladimir Putin to move towards a ceasefire and negotiation process.
The President of the United States made this announcement during a conversation with the media alongside Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and confirms his policy change towards the Russian president.
What was Donald Trump’s announcement against Russia?
“If we do not reach an agreement soon, we are going to impose very severe tariffs in 50 days. Tariffs at 100%. You can call them secondary tariffs,” warned Trump.
Secondary tariffs would be sanctions imposed on other countries or those who trade with Russia.
The leader expressed his frustration with Putin over the lack of progress in peace negotiations. “I am disappointed with him. Two months ago, it seemed like we could reach an agreement, but we haven’t been able to make it happen,” he said.
Trump clarified that his announcement is not linked to the bipartisan proposal being considered by Congress, which includes raising tariffs up to 500% with Russia. “Republicans are moving forward energetically in the Senate, but I’m not sure if it’s necessary. I also don’t want them to waste time,” he emphasized.
During his speech, Trump strongly criticized Putin and held the Russian leader responsible for the victims of the conflict. “If someone in Moscow is listening to this: 100,000 Russians dead since January. That’s what Putin is doing,” he declared, also accusing him of having deceived several former US presidents for years, “but he has not deceived me,” he concluded.
Trump urged the Kremlin to take peace talks seriously. “If I were Putin, I would think twice about it. But if I were Ukraine, I would see it as great news,” he said, reaffirming his intention for the United States to take a strong stance against Russian aggression.
NATO will buy weapons for Ukraine
Additionally, the Secretary General of NATO announced that the defense organization agreed to purchase American weaponry, including the Patriot anti-aircraft defense missile system, to send to Ukraine as part of a new coordinated effort to strengthen their military capabilities against the invasion from Russia.
Rutte described the operation as “really important” and detailed that it includes Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
“This is really big,” Rutte declared. “Trump called me on Thursday and told me that he wants to provide what is necessary for Ukraine to defend itself, but that the Europeans must pay for it. It makes perfect sense.”
The plan includes military packages designed in coordination with NATO, which will include missiles, ammunition, and anti-aircraft defenses, with a special emphasis on Patriot systems, considered the most advanced of their kind. “We are talking about large quantities,” Rutte warned.