Trump sets a 50-day timeline for Russia's Putin, demanding a ceasefire - Trump demands Putin to achieve peace within a 50-day period.
In a significant international development, President Donald Trump has set a 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine, threatening to impose "very severe tariffs"—potentially up to 100%—on Russian exports if no agreement is reached within this timeframe. The announcement was made during a joint appearance with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, indicating a significant international dimension to this ultimatum.
The clock on the 50-day deadline began on July 14, 2025, meaning the deadline is anticipated to fall in early September 2025. The threatened tariffs are described as "secondary" and could be directed not only at Russia but also potentially at Russia’s trading partners, aiming to isolate Moscow economically.
Trump emphasized continued military aid to Ukraine, but with the expectation that NATO allies would fund the production and transfer of advanced weaponry, including Patriot missile defense batteries. Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Britain, and the Netherlands are involved in the agreement, apart from Patriot missiles, rockets, and ammunition are also to go to Kyiv. The US and Germany are involved in an agreement to provide military equipment, including Patriot systems, to Ukraine.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has confirmed that the federal government wants to buy two Patriot systems worth a total of two billion euros from the USA to pass on to Ukraine. The last details between Berlin and Washington are still being clarified before a decision is made on the purchase.
The military equipment, worth billions, is intended for quick distribution on the battlefield, according to Trump. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Federal Chancellor Merz) has spoken of an "important initiative" and assured Trump that Germany will make a decisive contribution.
The tariffs, according to Trump, are secondary sanctions aimed at countries like China, India, and Brazil that continue to buy cheap oil and gas from Russia. This approach could complicate international trade dynamics for countries like China, India, and Brazil, depending on how the U.S. defines and enforces its tariff measures.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized the 50-day deadline set by Trump as too long. In recent days, Russia has bombarded Ukraine with the heaviest air strikes since the start of the war over three years ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj has welcomed Trump's announcements, expressing gratitude for Trump's readiness to support the protection of Ukrainian citizens.
Notably, the US Senate proposes direct sanctions against Russia, with tariffs of 500% for allied countries, which is more than Trump's current proposal. The Senate's proposal, if passed, would significantly escalate the economic pressure on Russia and its allies.
Trump has accused Putin of "spreading a lot of nonsense" in the past few days and expressed disappointment with Putin for continuing bombing of Ukraine despite four alleged agreements. Pistorius praised Trump for giving Putin a clear message with clear threats of consequences.
This international coalition to support Ukraine marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, with the potential to reshape trade dynamics and diplomatic relations in the coming months.
The European Union, in alignment with its commitment to the establishment of a European Defence Agency, is closely monitoring the international developments concerning Ukraine amidst the threats of economic sanctions and military aid. The potential escalation of the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, as seen in the ongoing bombings, has become a subject of general-news and politics, with the EU foreign policy chief expressing concerns regarding the timeline set by President Trump.
