Trump Sets 50-Day Ultimatum for Russia to End Ukraine Conflict or Face Severe Sanctions

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Russia to end its conflict in Ukraine within a 50-day timeframe or face significant new economic penalties, while outlining plans to supply more weapons to Kyiv.

«We are extremely dissatisfied with Russia,» Trump expressed to reporters during a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House.

He stated, «If we don’t reach an agreement in 50 days, we will impose very steep tariffs, around 100%.» He clarified that these would be «secondary tariffs» aimed at Russia’s remaining trading partners, which would further undermine Moscow’s ability to endure the extensive Western sanctions already in place.

Trump and Rutte also revealed an agreement where NATO would procure arms from the United States—including Patriot missile defense systems—to subsequently supply Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.

«This is billions worth of military supplies being purchased from the U.S., going to NATO… and it will be quickly sent to the frontline,» Trump noted.

Rutte, a former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, mentioned that Ukraine would receive a «massive quantity» of weaponry as part of this agreement.

After starting his second term in January, Trump had initially sought to mend relations with Putin, hoping to keep his campaign promise to resolve the Ukraine conflict within a day.

This shift towards Putin raised concerns in Kyiv that Trump might compromise Ukraine’s interests, particularly after he and his team criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting in February.

However, Trump’s recent expressions of anger and irritation towards Putin have grown as the Russian leader has intensified his offensive rather than halt it.

On Monday, Trump remarked of Putin: “I don’t want to label him as an assassin, but he is a formidable character.”

Last week, Trump hinted at a forthcoming announcement about Russia. The day prior, he stated he would be sending essential Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine to bolster its defenses against intensified Russian attacks.

Additionally, Washington reversed an earlier decision to pause certain arms deliveries to Kyiv.

Rutte’s visit to the White House marks the first since he affectionately referred to Trump as «daddy» during a NATO summit in The Hague in June.

In recent weeks, Moscow has unleashed unprecedented waves of drone and missile strikes, with civilian casualties in Ukraine reaching a three-year high in June, according to United Nations data.

Trump’s remarks coincided with the arrival of his special envoy, Keith Kellogg, in Kyiv for a meeting with Zelensky.

Zelensky characterized the meeting as «productive,» indicating they had talked about enhancing Ukraine’s air defense and collaborating with Europe on defense procurement and joint production.

The Ukrainian leader also expressed gratitude towards Trump for providing important signals of support and positive decisions benefiting both nations.

A Ukrainian soldier known by the call sign Grizzly, stationed on the war-torn eastern front, expressed appreciation for Trump’s commitment to supply new air defense systems.

«Better late than never,» he told AFP. “While we defend our positions, our families remain vulnerable. Thanks to the Patriots being provided, their safety will be increased,” added the 29-year-old.

In contrast, Russian forces announced on Monday their capture of new ground in eastern Ukraine, claiming control of two villages—one in the Donetsk region and another in Zaporizhzhia.

Additionally, regional Ukrainian officials reported that at least three civilians were killed by Russian forces in the eastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions on the same day.

In Kyiv, Zelensky also suggested a major government reshuffle, recommending that economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko assume the role of the country’s new prime minister.

Svyrydenko mentioned on social media that Ukraine is at a «crucial juncture.»