Trump Sets 50-Day Deadline for Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal, Threatens Tariffs and Boosts Arms to Kyiv
WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday gave Russia 50 days to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine, warning of serious trade penalties and unveiling a new push for NATO countries to supply more military aid to Kyiv.
In a dramatic policy shift, the Financial Times reported that Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about providing U.S. missiles capable of striking Moscow. However, when pressed by reporters, Trump clarified: “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow.”
Trump, who once promised to swiftly end the war and reduce U.S. military spending abroad, has now intensified pressure on both Ukraine and Russia. Despite his earlier praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump’s latest move signals a hard-line stance as the conflict surpasses three years with little progress beyond limited prisoner swaps.
Kremlin Responds Cautiously
Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine with heavy drone and missile strikes and brushed off global ceasefire calls. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Trump’s announcement could be seen as a push for continued war rather than peace.
“It seems that such a decision made in Washington and NATO countries… will be perceived by Kyiv not as a signal for peace but for the continuation of the war,” Peskov told reporters.
Moscow stated it needed more time to analyze Trump’s comments before issuing a detailed response.
Sanctions and Trade Threats
Trump warned that failure to reach a deal would result in harsh tariffs on Russia’s remaining trading partners, aiming to restrict Moscow’s ability to fund its military. Despite global sanctions, Russia has kept its economy afloat through major energy exports to China and India and increased defense spending.
Europe Reacts
Most European nations welcomed Trump’s firm position, except Slovakia, whose pro-Russian government opposed fresh EU sanctions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said while Europe appreciated U.S. support, Washington should also bear financial responsibility.
“If you promise to give the weapons but say that someone else is going to pay, it is not given by you,” she stated.
NATO newcomers Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden also supported Trump’s proposal. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson confirmed his country would contribute more air defense systems, highlighting Ukraine’s dire need amid relentless Russian bombardment.
On the Ground: Hope and Skepticism
The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. While some Ukrainian soldiers welcomed the renewed support, many remained skeptical of Trump’s promises.
“I don’t believe him. There have been too many promises that haven’t been kept,” said a soldier known by the call sign “Shah.”
Another fighter, “Master,” remarked that the assistance might be coming too late: “Those Patriots could have been sent sooner and could have helped a lot.”
Yet others, like 29-year-old Ruslan, saw a silver lining: “If there is even the slightest chance to improve the situation for us and worsen it for them, then that’s already positive.”
In Moscow, civilians reacted with cynicism. “It’s a game of chess,” said Svetlana, an aviation engineer. “We are waiting for the next move of our president.”
As the 50-day clock begins, the world watches to see whether Trump’s gamble will push the conflict toward resolution or escalation.
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