Trump gives Russia 50-day ultimatum

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Monday that if no agreement is reached within 50 days to end the war in Ukraine, the U.S. will impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russia.

Speaking at a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on Monday (14 July), Trump expressed his disappointment with Russia and President Vladimir Putin. He said he had expected a deal two months ago, but it had not materialised.

“This war is not mine, but I want to see it end and I’m trying to get you out of it,” Trump stated. He announced that the U.S. will supply weapons to Ukraine through NATO, but the cost will be fully covered by European allies.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the arrangement, saying the U.S. will provide Ukraine with the necessary arms on a large scale, while European countries will bear the expenses.

Trump also revealed that U.S. Patriot missile systems will be delivered to Ukraine “within days.” He explained that some countries currently operating Patriots will swap them out, with the U.S. providing replacements.

Separately, Trump’s Special Envoy Keith Kellogg met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday to discuss strengthening air defences, joint weapons production, and sanctions.

Following the meeting, Zelenskyy posted on social media emphasising the need for U.S. leadership, stating that Moscow will only stop if its unreasonable ambitions are curbed through strength.

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