🇺🇸 Trump Escalates Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine War
Trump Russia tariffs Ukraine move signals tougher stance as he unveils steep penalties and boosts military aid to Kyiv. At a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on July 14, 2025, the news was made.
Trump threatened to levy “secondary tariffs” on Russia and its trading partners if a peace agreement could not be struck within 50 days. The goal of these actions is to further distance President Vladimir Putin from the world economy.
Weapons Surge for Ukraine
Trump also unveiled a deal with NATO allies to supply Ukraine with billions in U.S. military equipment, including the much-needed Patriot air defense systems.
“Speed is of the essence,” said Rutte, noting that weapons may be rushed to Ukraine with reimbursements handled later.
Participating countries include Germany, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Denmark.
Frustration With Putin Reaches Boiling Point
Trump, who once called Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” has now shifted his criticism to Putin, citing his repeated violations of informal promises.
“My conversations with him are very pleasant, and then the missiles go off at night,” Trump said. “It just keeps going.”
Trump’s special envoy, Gen. Keith Kellogg, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to solidify arms deals and discuss international sanctions.
Economic Warfare: 100% Tariffs Loom
While legislation proposing 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian goods circulates in Congress, Trump floated a unilateral 100% tariff, especially targeting China.
“I use trade for a lot of things,” Trump said. “But it’s great for settling wars.”
Experts warn enforcement could be tricky, especially with Russia’s shadow oil fleet and China’s massive purchases of Russian crude.
Still, bipartisan praise followed Trump’s announcement:
“The benefit of our approach is that it blends congressional authority with presidential power,” said Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal.
Source: AP News