Trump Ups Pressure on Putin with NATO Weapon Deals and 100% Tariff Threat
Published: July 14, 2025
In a bold geopolitical move, President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on nations continuing trade with Moscow if a ceasefire isn’t reached within the next 50 days. At the same time, he has pledged billions in U.S. military equipment—especially Patriot missile systems—to NATO allies for delivery to Ukraine.
Speaking from the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump declared:
“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs at about 100% — you'd call them secondary tariffs.”
This statement marks a significant escalation in Trump’s tone toward Vladimir Putin, as frustrations grow over the Kremlin’s refusal to back down in Ukraine.
Weapons to Ukraine via NATO
Trump’s strategy hinges on NATO nations purchasing U.S.-made weapons and then transferring them to Ukraine. The centerpiece of the deal is the Patriot air defense missile system, designed to counter the waves of missiles and drones Russia continues to launch into Ukrainian cities.
“They desperately need Patriots,” Trump told reporters. “Putin talks nice and then bombs everybody at night.”
A Shift in Trump’s Ukraine Strategy
This is a notable turn from Trump’s earlier approach, where he touted his relationship with Putin as a pathway to quick peace. Now, he appears openly skeptical of the Russian president’s intentions.
“It’s all talk and then missiles go into Kyiv and kill 60 people. It’s got to stop,” Trump said Monday.
The announcement came as White House special envoy Keith Kellogg met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss air defense cooperation and joint arms production. Later, Zelenskyy spoke directly with Trump, expressing Ukraine’s readiness to "work productively" toward peace.
On Telegram, Zelenskyy noted their discussions focused on “protecting civilians and strengthening Ukraine’s military position.” The Ukrainian leader seemed optimistic, stating the talks were productive.
Mixed Reactions in Kyiv and Moscow
Ukrainian officials largely welcomed Trump’s announcement. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s foreign affairs committee, called the Patriot missile deal "very encouraging."
“It’s exactly what we need,” he told NPR, adding that such defense systems are vital against Russia’s drone and missile attacks.
Ironically, Merezhko had previously nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, only to withdraw it last month over concerns that Trump was appeasing Russia. Now, he says the new posture gives him renewed—though cautious—hope.
However, not everyone in Kyiv is celebrating. Ukrainian MP Solomiia Bobrovska warned that Russia may ramp up its attacks in the 50-day window before potential tariffs hit.
“They’re pushing hard on three front lines. That’s the position they’ll negotiate from.”
Meanwhile in Moscow, the Kremlin appeared dismissive of Trump’s tariff threats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov argued that supplying weapons through NATO is merely a continuation of U.S. policy under Biden. Others in the Russian government voiced stronger disapproval.
Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev slammed the deals on Telegram, accusing the U.S. of enriching its military-industrial complex while forcing Europeans to shoulder the costs.
Despite public defiance, Russia’s main stock index surged after Trump’s remarks, likely due to the 50-day grace period before sanctions kick in. Analysts say this buys Moscow time to prepare militarily or potentially return to negotiations.
What Comes Next?
Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin figure involved in U.S. negotiations, said dialogue will continue despite what he called Washington’s “doomed” strategy. Russian ultranationalists, however, have framed Trump’s 50-day ultimatum as a new deadline to achieve a decisive victory on the battlefield.
But political observers in Moscow are cautious. As Sergey Poletaev of the Vatfor think tank noted:
“With Trump, the pendulum could swing back the other way in six months.”
That unpredictability—often seen as a Trump trademark—is precisely what keeps both allies and adversaries guessing.
Tags: #Trump #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #Putin #PatriotMissiles #Tariffs #Geopolitics #UkraineWar #ForeignPolicy #WhiteHouse #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Moscow #Kyiv #BreakingNews #BloggerNews #NPRRewritten
Let me know if you'd like a shorter version, SEO optimization, or a Bangla translation. Ups Pressure on Putin with NATO Weapon Deals and 100% Tariff Threat
Published: July 14, 2025
In a bold geopolitical move, President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on nations continuing trade with Moscow if a ceasefire isn’t reached within the next 50 days. At the same time, he has pledged billions in U.S. military equipment—especially Patriot missile systems—to NATO allies for delivery to Ukraine.
Speaking from the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump declared:
“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs at about 100% — you'd call them secondary tariffs.”
This statement marks a significant escalation in Trump’s tone toward Vladimir Putin, as frustrations grow over the Kremlin’s refusal to back down in Ukraine.
Weapons to Ukraine via NATO
Trump’s strategy hinges on NATO nations purchasing U.S.-made weapons and then transferring them to Ukraine. The centerpiece of the deal is the Patriot air defense missile system, designed to counter the waves of missiles and drones Russia continues to launch into Ukrainian cities.
“They desperately need Patriots,” Trump told reporters. “Putin talks nice and then bombs everybody at night.”
A Shift in Trump’s Ukraine Strategy
This is a notable turn from Trump’s earlier approach, where he touted his relationship with Putin as a pathway to quick peace. Now, he appears openly skeptical of the Russian president’s intentions.
“It’s all talk and then missiles go into Kyiv and kill 60 people. It’s got to stop,” Trump said Monday.
The announcement came as White House special envoy Keith Kellogg met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss air defense cooperation and joint arms production. Later, Zelenskyy spoke directly with Trump, expressing Ukraine’s readiness to "work productively" toward peace.
On Telegram, Zelenskyy noted their discussions focused on “protecting civilians and strengthening Ukraine’s military position.” The Ukrainian leader seemed optimistic, stating the talks were productive.
Mixed Reactions in Kyiv and Moscow
Ukrainian officials largely welcomed Trump’s announcement. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s foreign affairs committee, called the Patriot missile deal "very encouraging."
“It’s exactly what we need,” he told NPR, adding that such defense systems are vital against Russia’s drone and missile attacks.
Ironically, Merezhko had previously nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, only to withdraw it last month over concerns that Trump was appeasing Russia. Now, he says the new posture gives him renewed—though cautious—hope.
However, not everyone in Kyiv is celebrating. Ukrainian MP Solomiia Bobrovska warned that Russia may ramp up its attacks in the 50-day window before potential tariffs hit.
“They’re pushing hard on three front lines. That’s the position they’ll negotiate from.”
Meanwhile in Moscow, the Kremlin appeared dismissive of Trump’s tariff threats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov argued that supplying weapons through NATO is merely a continuation of U.S. policy under Biden. Others in the Russian government voiced stronger disapproval.
Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev slammed the deals on Telegram, accusing the U.S. of enriching its military-industrial complex while forcing Europeans to shoulder the costs.
Despite public defiance, Russia’s main stock index surged after Trump’s remarks, likely due to the 50-day grace period before sanctions kick in. Analysts say this buys Moscow time to prepare militarily or potentially return to negotiations.
What Comes Next?
Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin figure involved in U.S. negotiations, said dialogue will continue despite what he called Washington’s “doomed” strategy. Russian ultranationalists, however, have framed Trump’s 50-day ultimatum as a new deadline to achieve a decisive victory on the battlefield.
But political observers in Moscow are cautious. As Sergey Poletaev of the Vatfor think tank noted:
“With Trump, the pendulum could swing back the other way in six months.”
That unpredictability—often seen as a Trump trademark—is precisely what keeps both allies and adversaries guessing.
Tags: #Trump #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #Putin #PatriotMissiles #Tariffs #Geopolitics #UkraineWar #ForeignPolicy #WhiteHouse #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Moscow #Kyiv #BreakingNews #BloggerNews #NPRRewritten
