Trump to send weapons to Ukraine, threatens Russia with tariffs

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the US will impose severe tariffs on Russia if a deal to end the war in Ukraine isn’t reached within 50 days.

Speaking in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said the tariffs would be “secondary,” targeting Russia’s trading partners to isolate Moscow economically. “I use trade for a lot of things,” Trump said, “but it’s great for settling wars.”

Trump and Rutte also discussed ramping up military aid, with European allies purchasing billions of dollars in US weapons to send to Ukraine. Rutte named Germany, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Denmark as key buyers, emphasizing urgency to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into peace talks.

Though Trump once claimed a good relationship with Putin and suggested Russia was more eager for peace than Ukraine, recent Russian attacks on civilians have tested his patience. In April, Trump publicly urged Putin to stop bombarding Kyiv and in May called the Russian leader “absolutely crazy.” “Every night, people are dying,” Trump lamented Monday.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss strengthening air defenses, joint arms production, and increased Western weapon deliveries. Zelenskyy urged stronger international sanctions on Russia, stating Moscow won’t stop unless forced.

Ukraine faces intense missile and drone attacks, with civilian casualties hitting a three-year high in June. The US confirmed sending Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, with European countries financing some purchases. Germany, which has supplied three Patriot systems already, plans to finance two more and is discussing additional contributions with allies. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was in Washington to coordinate further support.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said the conflict is nearing a turning point as weapons shipments ramp up to unprecedented levels. He warned Putin has miscalculated by underestimating US support for Ukraine, predicting a “massive effort” to bring Russia to negotiations.

Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy for international investment, dismissed Western pressure tactics, calling for constructive dialogue between Russia and the U.S. to continue despite attempts to disrupt talks.