Trump’s threats to Russia: What do 100% tariffs and new arms for Ukraine really mean?
As Ukraine war drags on, US president leans on tariffs and NATO firepower to force a deal
In a major geopolitical statement, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% “secondary tariffs” on Russia and its oil trade partners if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days. The warning comes as Trump simultaneously promises new weapons packages for Ukraine — though with a key twist: European allies will foot the bill, not Washington.
The remarks, delivered during a White House meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, reflect a shifting US strategy that combines economic pressure with burden-sharing among allies. The goal: to push President Vladimir Putin back to the negotiating table — without dedicating new American funding, at least for now.
What did Trump say?
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump said: “We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days—tariffs at about 100%.”
Trump was vague on the details, but clarified these would be “secondary tariffs”, a term he has previously used to describe penalties on countries that do business with US adversaries like Russia.
What are secondary tariffs or sanctions?
The term “secondary tariffs” is not commonly used in policy circles, but it resembles “secondary sanctions”, which are more familiar:
Secondary sanctions target third-party countries or companies doing business with sanctioned entities.
In this case, Trump’s proposal would penalise countries such as India and China for buying Russian oil by slapping massive tariffs on their exports to the US.
A White House official said both tariffs and sanctions could be used, suggesting flexibility in how the US would implement pressure.
What’s the goal?
Trump’s intention is clear: Force Russia into a ceasefire agreement within a tight 50-day window. He expressed frustration that negotiations had stalled, saying:
“I’m disappointed in President Putin because I thought we would have had a deal two months ago.”
The threats also reflect a political strategy—showing Trump’s base he is “tough on Russia,” while not committing new US taxpayer funds to Ukraine.
Who would be affected?
If enacted, these tariffs or sanctions could:
Impact Russian oil revenues, a key source of funding for Moscow’s war.
Punish India and China, major importers of Russian oil, risking diplomatic backlash.
Potentially disrupt global oil prices and supply chains, though Trump didn’t specify exemptions or enforcement mechanisms.
Following his comments, US oil prices fell, with West Texas Intermediate dipping below $67 a barrel.
What about US military support for Ukraine?
Trump announced a new weapons package for Ukraine, including:
Patriot air defence batteries
Drone interceptors
Artillery shells and missiles
However, the catch: European NATO members will pay for the equipment, and the US will manufacture and backfill as needed.
“We’re not buying it, but we will manufacture it. They’re going to be paying for it,” Trump said.
Who’s paying — and who’s supplying?
Countries expected to play a major role in this support include:
Germany, which will pay $2 billion and request additional Patriot batteries.
Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands, and Canada, all named by Rutte as partners in the upcoming weapons transfer.
The US, which will eventually replenish what allies send but without immediate financial outlays.
This is part of a new model where Europe “steps up” militarily while the US plays an industrial support role.
What did Ukraine say?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he spoke to Trump and discussed protection and peace:
“We discussed the necessary means and solutions... We are ready to work as productively as possible to achieve peace.”
Trump has previously shown limited patience with Ukraine but now appears to be using a combination of military aid and economic threats to pressure both Kyiv and Moscow toward a resolution.
Why does this matter?
This marks a significant shift in US strategy under Trump’s presidency:
A hardline economic threat to Russia via global trading partners.
Military support for Ukraine — without direct US funding.
An emphasis on burden-sharing among NATO allies.
At the same time, the lack of detail on enforcement, legal authority, and timelines raises questions about how real or effective these measures will be.
- with inputs from Bloomberg
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