Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will send advanced weapons to Ukraine through NATO countries, warning Russia of 100 percent tariffs on its trading partners if no peace deal is reached within 50 days.
Speaking after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said Ukraine would receive ‘top-of-the-line weapons’ worth billions. While specific weapons were not detailed, the aid will include missiles and ammunition. European nations will send their Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, and the US will replace them.
Trump stated that, “We want to make sure Ukraine can do what it wants to do.” Rutte added that European partners would cover the costs and urged Russia to take peace talks seriously. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his support, saying they discussed strengthening Ukraine’s defences and efforts toward peace.
Trump also announced that if a peace deal isn’t reached in 50 days, the US will impose 100 percent secondary tariffs on countries that continue trading with Russia, including nations like India. The move aims to cut off Moscow’s war funding, as oil and gas make up over 60 percent of its exports.
Despite the warning, Russia’s stock market rose, and Kremlin-linked figures downplayed the threat. Some labelled the tariffs a ‘bluff’ and criticised Trump’s plan as lacking substance.
Still, Trump’s tougher stance drew praise across party lines in the US. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen called the weapons pledge ‘positive but overdue’ and urged consistent aid for Ukraine.
The announcement marked Trump’s first major military aid pledge to Ukraine since returning to office and signalled a notable shift in his rhetoric toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin.
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