In a dramatic escalation of tensions, President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Russia, threatening to impose severe tariffs of up to 100% on Russian goods if a peace deal with Ukraine is not reached within 50 days. This bold announcement came during a press conference on Monday, where Trump unveiled a groundbreaking arms deal that will see billions of dollars worth of military equipment, including Patriot air defense systems, sent to Ukraine, a significant pivot in U.S. foreign policy.

Addressing reporters alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Trump underscored the urgency of the situation, urging Russia to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. “We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days,” he warned, emphasizing the seriousness of the stakes involved. The deal marks a swift response to Russia’s continued aggression, with Trump expressing frustration over President Putin’s lack of commitment to peace talks, stating, “I always hang up saying, ‘Well, that was a nice phone call,’ and then missiles are launched into Kiev.”

This new arms package, which will be financed by NATO allies rather than U.S. taxpayers, is set to reach the battlefield within days, signaling a rapid deployment of military support to Ukraine. Trump’s shift comes on the heels of a Pentagon announcement that had previously paused air defense missile shipments due to dwindling U.S. stockpiles. The President’s tough stance also includes potential secondary sanctions on nations engaging with Russian oil and gas, further tightening the economic noose around Moscow.

As the clock ticks down on the 50-day ultimatum, the world watches closely. Will Russia heed the call for peace, or will it face the full brunt of U.S. tariffs? The stakes have never been higher.