U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned Russia of steep economic consequences if it fails to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine within 50 days.
“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100%,” Trump said during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House.
He pledged to send advanced weaponry, including Patriot missile systems, to Ukraine. “We’re not buying it, but we will manufacture it,” Trump explained. “They’re going to be paying for it,” he said, referring to NATO allies funding the effort.
Trump hinted at imposing “secondary tariffs,” though he did not provide specifics. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later said both sanctions and tariffs are “tools in his toolbox.”
A White House official noted that if Russia fails to comply, it may face both measures. This threat aligns with bipartisan legislation proposing 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
Trump did not clarify whether congressional approval would be needed, though he admitted the legislation “could be very useful.”
The move underscores Trump’s growing frustration with the ongoing war, now in its third year.