🇺🇸 In a high-stakes press briefing, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with Russia’s conduct in the Ukraine war and announced aggressive measures unless a deal is reached in 50 days. Trump declared that secondary tariffs of at least 100% will be imposed if negotiations fail, calling it “very simple.”
On Ukraine, Trump confirmed a major NATO arms deal, stating:
“We are going to be sending them weapons and they’re gonna be paying for them. The U.S. will not be paying.”
The new strategy marks a dramatic policy shift, as the U.S. will manufacture the weapons, but European allies will fund and coordinate deliveries. Patriot missile systems and other advanced air defense platforms are expected to arrive in Ukraine within days, with one unnamed country reportedly redirecting 17 Patriot units for Ukraine’s defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supported the move, warning:
“If I were Vladimir Putin today, I would reconsider and take negotiations on Ukraine more seriously.”
Trump also criticized previous U.S. administrations, saying Putin “fooled Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden – but not me.” He added that conversations with Putin are “pointless,” citing that missile strikes follow calls:
“It’s all talk, then missiles hit Kyiv.”
Beyond Ukraine, Trump touched on other issues:
• Claimed U.S. efforts resolved the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict
• Promised a deal is coming to solve Egypt’s Nile dam dispute
• Mocked the Gaza withdrawal as “one of the worst real estate deals ever”
• Noted Germany and other allies are pushing hard on Ukraine
• Warned that Putin must act to save Russia’s economy
When asked how far he would go if Russia escalates bombing in the coming days, Trump dismissed the question:
“Don’t ask me a question like that.”
Trump’s statements reflect a hardening U.S. position on Russia, increased NATO coordination, and a strategy aimed at pressuring Moscow economically and militarily while shielding U.S. taxpayers.
