Trump Reverses Ukraine Arms Policy, Pressures Putin, Spurs NATO Support

President Trump has issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, threatening to impose punitive tariffs if Putin fails to comply. This marks a significant shift from Trump's earlier more conciliatory stance toward Russia, reflecting growing frustration with Putin's lack of seriousness in peace negotiations. Trump has negotiated a major NATO arms deal to provide substantial military aid to Ukraine, including potential shipments of Patriot missile systems and other munitions, with costs to be borne by NATO allies. Despite initial ambiguity about the specifics and amounts involved, this policy reversal moves Trump closer to supporting Kyiv, contrasting with his earlier skepticism about NATO and U.S. aid to Ukraine. The administration faces domestic challenges as the Senate debates spending that may affect federal funding, adding complexity to Trump's broader economic and foreign policy agenda. Overall, Trump's evolving Ukraine policy underscores a more assertive approach toward Russia, balancing diplomatic efforts with increased military and economic pressure.