US to impose severe tariffs on Russia without ceasefire, says Trump

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russia, threatening to impose heavy financial penalties if Moscow does not halt its military aggression against Ukraine.

Speaking during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday, Trump pledged to enforce severe tariffs and ramp up military support for Kyiv.

“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100%,” Trump stated, adding that these levies would come in the form of what he termed “secondary tariffs,” though specific details were not provided.

Trump further declared that the US would supply Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Patriot missile systems, to bolster its defenses against persistent Russian attacks.

He explained that while the US would handle the production of these weapons, NATO allies would be responsible for covering the cost.

“We’re not buying it, but we will manufacture it. They’re going to be paying for it,” he said.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified to reporters that both tariffs and sanctions were options available to the US president.

A White House official later confirmed that Russia could face either or both measures if a ceasefire agreement isn’t reached by early September.

This latest development follows a bipartisan bill currently in Congress proposing a 500% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Trump has previously made similar threats towards nations trading with Venezuela, indicating a firm stance on using economic pressure to isolate adversaries.

Despite this tough rhetoric, concerns remain that Moscow might intensify its offensive before returning to the negotiating table.

Trump’s announcement also signals rising impatience within the US administration over the prolonged conflict, which has lasted since 2022.

Trump emphasized the urgency of reinforcing Ukraine’s military capabilities, stating that the country urgently needs air defense systems, drone interceptors, artillery shells, and missiles to withstand the current wave of Russian assaults.

The final scale of aid, however, will depend largely on Europe’s financial and logistical contributions.

BBC