Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Russia, Sends Weapons to NATO for Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to send advanced American weapons to NATO allies to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia, while warning Moscow of “severe” economic consequences if a peace deal isn’t reached within 50 days.

Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday, Trump said the weapons—including Patriot missile systems and batteries—will be paid for by NATO and rapidly deployed to the battlefield.

“We’ve made a deal today where we are going to be sending them weapons, and they’re going to be paying for them,” Trump said. “This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment purchased from the United States.”

The announcement follows a late-night call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who described the conversation as “very good” and expressed gratitude for Trump’s “willingness to support Ukraine and stop the killings.”

Trump also threatened to impose tariffs of “about 100%” on Russian goods if Moscow does not agree to end the war within 50 days. In addition, the White House said the US will apply secondary sanctions on countries that continue buying oil from Russia without a ceasefire agreement.

“I’m very unhappy with Russia,” Trump said, recounting repeated conversations with President Vladimir Putin. “I don’t want to say he’s an assassin, but he’s a tough guy,” he added, while criticizing Moscow’s continued missile strikes on Ukrainian cities following diplomatic talks.

In Kyiv, President Zelenskyy met with US special envoy Keith Kellogg to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and ramping up joint weapons production with Europe. Zelenskyy welcomed what he called “positive decisions” and “important signals of support” from the United States.

Trump’s announcement marks a significant shift in tone and policy toward the war in Ukraine, raising questions about how it may shape future US-Russia relations and the path to peace.

Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev responded to Trump’s remarks by downplaying their impact, writing on Telegram: “If this is all that Trump had in mind to say about Ukraine today, then all the steam has gone out.”