United States President Donald Trump has warned that Russia could face heavy financial penalties if it fails to cease hostilities in Ukraine, vowing to implement strict trade measures and bolster Ukraine’s defences with advanced military equipment.
Speaking at the White House on Monday during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said his administration would introduce steep tariffs within 50 days if no ceasefire agreement is reached.
“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100%,” Trump said, referencing what he described as “secondary tariffs.” While he did not provide specific details, the term is one he has previously used to describe duties imposed on countries that engage in trade with American adversaries.
When later asked if Trump intended to refer instead to “secondary sanctions,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that both sanctions and tariffs were options available to the administration.
“They’re both tools in his toolbox,” Lutnick told reporters. “You can do either one.” A White House official added that Russia could face either or both punitive measures if a ceasefire is not signed by early September.
The warning follows similar provisions contained in a bipartisan bill currently before Congress, which proposes a 500% tariff on countries importing Russian oil and gas. Trump has also previously threatened tariffs on nations purchasing Venezuelan oil.
Although Trump did not specify the legal mechanism through which such secondary tariffs would be enacted, he indicated that congressional approval might not be required. “I’m not sure we need Congress,” he said. “But the legislation could be very useful.”
The remarks reflect growing frustration in Washington over the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022. However, analysts warn that such a move could provoke Moscow to escalate its offensive before diplomatic talks resume.
Trump also announced that the United States would supply Ukraine with a fresh package of high-end military equipment, including Patriot air defence systems, in an effort to strengthen its defences against continued Russian attacks.
“We’re sending top-of-the-line weapons,” he said. “They’re going to be paying for it. We’re not buying it, but we will manufacture it.” According to Trump, the cost of the weapons will be covered by NATO member states, not the United States.
Ukraine, which continues to face an intense onslaught from Russian forces, is in urgent need of additional air defence systems, drone interceptors, and a sustained supply of artillery shells and missiles.
The success of the new arms support package, however, is expected to depend heavily on the capacity and willingness of European allies to finance and facilitate the procurement of these weapons.
