Trump Threatens Russia With Steep Tariffs, Sends Billions in Weapons to Ukraine

President Donald Trump announced a new military aid package for Ukraine and warned of severe tariffs against Russia during a high-profile meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on July 14, 2025.

Flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump confirmed the United States will send billions of dollars in weapons, including Patriot air defense systems, to Ukraine. NATO will coordinate the delivery, and alliance members will finance the weapons.

“In a nutshell, we’re going to make top-of-the-line weapons, and they’ll be sent to NATO,” Trump said. He added that if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to sign a peace deal with Ukraine within 50 days, the US will impose 100 percent secondary tariffs on Russian goods.

Trump has long vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but Russia’s refusal to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire has frustrated his administration. Putin claims the pause would allow Ukraine to regroup militarily.

The tension marks a shift in the Trump-Putin dynamic. Last week, Trump accused Putin of spreading “nonsense” and stalling negotiations. During Monday’s press conference, Trump said, “He knows the deal. He knows what a fair deal is.”

Rutte praised Trump’s plan, calling it a decisive message to Moscow. “If I were Vladimir Putin and heard what’s coming in 50 days, I would reconsider,” he said.

Trump emphasized that the air defense systems would come from existing US deployments worldwide, though he did not clarify whether offensive weapons like long-range rockets would also be sent.

The US president also vented his frustration about Russia’s continued airstrikes on Ukraine, stating, “My conversations with him are always very pleasant… but another city always gets hit.”

Melinda Haring of the Atlantic Council said Trump’s stance hardened after months of inaction from Putin. “He stuck his neck out… and now he’s lost his patience,” she explained.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the support, thanking Trump in his nightly video address and revealing ongoing talks for broader defense agreements.

In Russia, the response was mixed. The Kremlin reiterated the need for dialogue, while pro-war voices criticized Trump, warning he was never a true ally of Moscow.

As Ukraine braces for continued assaults, the delivery of Patriot systems could offer crucial protection from nightly missile and drone attacks.


Source: Al Jazeera