Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum: 50 Days to End Ukraine War or Face Economic Siege

Image Source: Channel 4

In a scathing escalation of diplomatic pressure, US President Donald Trump delivered an ultimatum to Russia to make peace in Ukraine within 50 days or else suffer blanket 100 percent tariffs. The ultimatum was delivered during a joint appearance with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on July 14, 2025.

Key Highlights
- Trump threatened "very severe" retaliatory tariffs on not only Russia but also nations that have commerce with Moscow
- The threat is posed in terms of 100 percent tariffs against Russian goods and against countries that import Russian oil
- Trump was frustrated at Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving a list of repeated failed talks followed by missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Strategic Measures
- NATO will be buying billions of dollars' worth of US-produced weapons, such as Patriot missile defense systems, for quick shipment to Ukraine
- Countries involved are Germany, Canada, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK
- Trump emphasized that the move is to demonstrate seriousness and solidarity in resisting Russian aggression

European Response
-EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas denounced the 50-day ultimatum as too mild in response to ongoing civilian casualties
- European leaders to spend more on defense with some pledging to raise military budgets to 5 percent of GDP

Ukrainian View
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embraced the US assistance and received Trump's envoy, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg - Ukraine wants increased air defense and arms co-production to combat increased Russian attacks.

Sources: Financial Express, News18, Indian Express, CBS News, Time, Channel News Asia, AFP.