Trump Gives Russia 50 Days or Faces Harsh New Sanctions

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Russia to end its war in Ukraine within 50 days or face sweeping new economic sanctions, as he announced major new military support for Kyiv.

“We’re very, very unhappy with Russia,” Trump said during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House.

Trump said that unless Russia agrees to resolve the conflict within 50 days, the United States will impose “very severe tariffs” of around 100 percent, targeting not only Russia directly but also its remaining trade partners. These "secondary tariffs" aim to cripple Moscow’s ability to bypass existing Western sanctions.

In a joint announcement, Trump and Rutte revealed a deal under which NATO will purchase military equipment from the United States—including Patriot air defense systems—and distribute it to Ukraine to bolster its defenses.

“This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment going to NATO and then quickly sent to the battlefield,” Trump said. Rutte added that Ukraine would receive “massive numbers” of weapons under the new agreement.

Trump had promised to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours as part of his re-election campaign. After pursuing a brief period of outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this year, Trump’s tone has hardened in recent weeks as Moscow intensified its attacks.

“I don’t want to say he’s an assassin, but he’s a tough guy,” Trump remarked about Putin, showing visible frustration over the Kremlin’s escalating aggression.

Last week, Trump previewed a significant announcement regarding Russia, following growing pressure to take stronger action. On Sunday, he confirmed plans to send critical Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, reversing earlier delays in arms shipments.

Meanwhile, Moscow has launched record waves of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, with June civilian casualties reaching a three-year high, according to UN reports.

Rutte’s visit marked his first to the White House since referring to Trump as “daddy” during a NATO summit in The Hague in June.

On the ground, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, in Kyiv on Monday. Zelensky described the talks as “productive,” saying they focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, expanding joint weapons production, and enhancing cooperation with European allies.

Zelensky thanked Trump for the latest show of support, calling the decisions “important signals for both our countries.”

In eastern Ukraine, front-line soldiers welcomed news of the incoming military aid. One soldier, identified by his call sign Grizzly, said, “Better late than never. While we defend the front line, our families at home will now be safer with these Patriots.”

Despite the promised reinforcements, Russia announced new territorial gains on Monday, claiming control of two villages in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Regional Ukrainian officials also reported Russian attacks killed at least three civilians in Kharkiv and Sumy.

In Kyiv, Zelensky proposed appointing Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine’s next prime minister, as he looks to restructure the government during what he described as a “crucial time” for the nation.