Tue Jul 15 05:17:02 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Trump Issues Ultimatum to Russia: End Ukraine War in 50 Days or Face Crippling Sanctions**

**Washington, July 15, 2025** – In a dramatic shift in policy, U.S. President Donald Trump has given Russia 50 days to end its war in Ukraine or face crippling economic sanctions, including tariffs of 100% on Russian goods. The ultimatum was delivered following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, where the two leaders also announced a deal for NATO allies to purchase billions of dollars of U.S. weaponry, including Patriot anti-missile systems, for Ukraine.

Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to swiftly end the conflict, expressed his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing the escalation of missile and drone attacks. The potential sanctions would also target countries that continue to trade with Russia, a move aimed at isolating Moscow economically.

“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.

Rutte touted the arms deal, highlighting the contributions of Germany, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Britain. He suggested that Putin should take negotiations seriously in light of Trump’s stance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the arms deal, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged Berlin’s “decisive role” in the weapons plan. However, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized the 50-day deadline as too lenient given the ongoing civilian casualties.

This policy shift comes after Trump initially sought closer ties with Putin upon entering his second term. This triggered fears that he might abandon Ukraine. This new strategy apparently was brought on by his wife. “I go home, I tell the First Lady, ‘you know, I spoke to Vladimir today, we had a wonderful conversation,’” Trump said. “And she said, ‘Oh really? Another city was just hit.’”

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal praised Trump’s “powerful” move and emphasized the importance of secondary sanctions on countries like China, India, and Brazil that support Russia’s war effort.

Meanwhile, Russian forces claimed to have captured new territory in eastern Ukraine, and Ukrainian officials reported civilian casualties from Russian attacks. In Kyiv, Zelenskyy proposed a political shake-up, recommending economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko take over new prime minister, and appointing current premier Prime Minister Denys Shmygal as Defence Minister.

Read More