Trump Warns Russia with 100% Tariffs, Seeks Ukraine Peace Deal

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose severe tariffs, including about 100% duties and secondary tariffs, on Russian goods if Russia does not reach a peace deal with Ukraine within 50 days. This move aims to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, with Trump expressing frustration over ongoing missile attacks against Ukraine despite his attempts at diplomacy. Secondary tariffs would also target third countries importing Russian exports, such as oil, increasing the economic impact on Russia. Trump emphasized that the tariffs are part of a broader strategy using trade to settle conflicts and highlighted continued military aid to Ukraine, including authorization to supply Patriot missiles. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European allies are coordinating military support for Ukraine as the US intensifies pressure on Russia. Some critics view the 50-day deadline and tariff strategy as potentially allowing further conflict escalation while isolating the US from Russia’s sphere of influence.