Trump Issues Ultimatum, Boosts Ukraine Military Aid

President Donald Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine or face sweeping U.S. tariffs and secondary sanctions on Russia's trading partners. Trump announced a new stream of U.S. and European-funded military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems, with Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden voicing support for increased weapons deliveries. The Kremlin dismissed the ultimatum as 'theatrical,' indicating Putin is unfazed and may intensify efforts in Ukraine. Reports have emerged that Trump privately encouraged Ukraine to consider striking Moscow, signaling a potentially more aggressive U.S. posture. Bipartisan efforts in Congress continue to push for stricter sanctions on buyers of Russian energy. Tensions and casualties in Ukraine remain high as both sides weigh the implications of the new U.S. strategy.