Trump Shocks With Ukraine Policy U-Turn: Patriot Missiles on the Way, Russia Faces Tariff Ultimatum

Trump Shocks With Ukraine Policy U-Turn: Patriot Missiles on the Way, Russia Faces Tariff Ultimatum

In a stunning policy shift, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new NATO-backed initiative to supply Patriot missile systems and advanced American weaponry to Ukraine, with the cost to be reimbursed by allied nations. Alongside this, Trump has issued a bold ultimatum to Russia — if peace talks do not begin within 50 days, the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on Russian exports and introduce secondary tariffs on countries that continue trading in Russian oil and gas, reported The Hindu.

A NATO-Led Arms Pipeline for Ukraine

During a high-stakes meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump declared that the U.S. will supply air defense systems, including multiple Patriot batteries, through a mechanism where NATO allies will pay for the arms and the U.S. will deliver them to Kyiv. Once those weapons are transferred, the U.S. will replenish the stockpiles of contributing NATO nations with newer equipment. Trump added that some of these missile systems could be deployed to Ukraine “within days.”

This plan reverses Trump’s earlier stance where he had paused shipments pending a stockpile review. Now, with NATO backing and a streamlined system, the U.S. defense pipeline to Ukraine is being rapidly revived. Trump emphasized the urgency by stating that Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks in recent weeks require an immediate and fortified response.

Tariff Threat: A New Economic Weapon

In what analysts are calling Trump’s version of economic warfare, he has given Vladimir Putin a 50-day deadline to begin meaningful peace talks. If Russia fails to respond, the U.S. will slap 100% tariffs on Russian exports and enforce secondary tariffs on countries like China and India if they continue buying Russian oil and gas.

This dual pressure tactic, military and economic, is intended to choke Russia’s war funding. Trump stated that the tariffs would remain until a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached. It’s a move designed to rally global players behind the pressure campaign and isolate Russia economically if diplomacy fails.

Global Reactions

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the announcement, calling it a crucial and timely step. NATO allies including Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, and Canada have also signaled support, agreeing to participate in the defense procurement effort.

Russia, meanwhile, downplayed the threats. Kremlin officials suggested the move would benefit the U.S. defense industry more than Ukraine. However, financial markets in Russia showed early jitters. The ruble strengthened slightly, interpreted by some as a temporary sigh of relief due to the 50-day window before sanctions kick in.

NATO chief Mark Rutte urged nations doing business with Russia to consider their role in prolonging the war. “You might want to call Vladimir,” he quipped, underlining the seriousness of the impending sanctions.

A High-Stakes Countdown Begins

Trump’s announcement creates a decisive timeline — 50 days for diplomacy or a return to Cold War–era economic isolation tactics. The aggressive use of tariffs as leverage marks a new frontier in foreign policy, even by Trump’s own standards.

Experts remain divided. Some believe this is a shrewd maneuver to force peace without direct U.S. military involvement, while others warn it could escalate global trade tensions. What’s clear is that Trump’s strategy has injected urgency into stalled diplomatic channels, with world capitals now watching how Putin responds.

Photo Credit: The Hindu

For more world stories click here

Follow us for latest updates: