Trump gives Russia 50-day deadline to broker peace deal with Ukraine: ‘…or 100% tariff, sanctions on nations buying oil’

By Admin

15 Jul, 2025

In a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump has issued a bold ultimatum to Russia: broker a peace deal with Ukraine within 50 days or face sweeping financial penalties. The move, which includes a potential 100% tariff on Russian goods and harsh sanctions on nations buying Russian oil, marks a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict and in the West’s approach to economic pressure on Moscow.

Strong Message from Washington

During a high-level meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump made it clear that his administration is ready to take unprecedented action if Russia fails to halt its military aggression in Ukraine.

“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100%,” Trump announced, referring to what he called “secondary tariffs.”

Although Trump did not elaborate on the exact nature of the measures, his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that both tariffs and sanctions were “tools in his toolbox,” hinting at a multi-layered strategy.

A senior White House official confirmed that if Russia does not sign a ceasefire agreement by early September, it could face both forms of economic retaliation.

Impact on Global Markets

Surprisingly, the 50-day grace period before enforcement sparked a positive response in Russian financial markets. The rouble, which had slumped earlier in the day, bounced back, and stock indices saw moderate gains. Analysts say investors were relieved to have some time before the measures could take effect, offering Moscow a final chance to negotiate peace.

Shift in Western Sanctions Policy

Trump’s threat of secondary sanctions would represent a significant evolution in the Western response to the war. Until now, while Western countries have distanced themselves from Russian trade, they have largely refrained from penalizing countries like China and India for continuing to buy Russian oil. That policy has allowed Moscow to maintain strong revenues from oil exports an economic lifeline that the new sanctions aim to sever.

Support for Ukraine Ramps Up

Simultaneously, Trump has pledged advanced weaponry to Ukraine, signaling continued U.S. support for Kyiv’s defense. He announced the delivery of a new "top-of-the-line" weapons package, which includes powerful Patriot air defense systems.

Importantly, Trump emphasized that NATO members would finance the weapons, saying, “We’re not buying it, but we will manufacture it. They’re going to be paying for it.”

Gratitude from Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s stance, expressing gratitude on Telegram after a conversation with the U.S. leader. Zelensky noted Trump’s “readiness to support Ukraine and to continue working together to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.”

Zelensky also met with Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, on Monday to further discuss diplomatic efforts and military cooperation.

Conclusion

As the countdown to Trump’s 50-day deadline begins, the pressure is now squarely on Moscow. The potential for sweeping tariffs and sanctions could disrupt global oil markets and strain relations with Russia’s trade partners. At the same time, Ukraine gains new momentum with enhanced military support from NATO and the U.S.

Whether this bold move by the Trump administration will force Russia to the negotiating table or escalate tensions further remains to be seen but what’s clear is that the world is watching, and the clock is ticking.