President Trump announces 100 percent secondary tariffs on Russia during White House meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte amid Ukraine conflict. Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg
Washington, D.C. (EPICSTORIAN) — US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose 100 percent secondary tariffs on Russia if no ceasefire agreement in Ukraine is reached within 50 days, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
This measure is intended to pressure Moscow into engaging in peace negotiations.
Trump’s 100 Percent Secondary Tariffs on Russia Target Ukraine Conflict
President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine, stating that the US will enforce “very severe tariffs” if no deal is finalized soon.
The tariffs are set to take effect within 50 days, aiming to escalate economic pressure on Russia amid the prolonged conflict.
Secondary Tariffs on Russia Reflect US Strategic Pressure on Ukraine War
The secondary tariffs will target countries trading with Russia, including those importing Russian oil and uranium, thereby expanding the scope of economic consequences. These sanctions complement bipartisan legislative efforts in the US Senate to increase pressure on Russia, led by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal.
Alongside the tariff announcement, President Trump confirmed the US will supply “top-of-the-line” military equipment to Ukraine via NATO, including missiles and ammunition. European NATO members will fund this effort, signaling a coordinated international strategy to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Trump and NATO Increase Military Support While Pressuring Russia Economically
Trump emphasized that the US is sending weapons to NATO, which will then distribute them to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the move as “really big” and highlighted that European allies have agreed to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035.
Ukraine’s Defense Strengthened by Coordinated NATO Arms Supply
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the cooperation between the US and NATO, describing recent talks as “productive.” The expanded military aid, combined with economic sanctions, aims to compel Russia to cease hostilities and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.
The announcement caused the Moscow stock exchange to rise sharply, as investors had expected harsher tariff measures. Kremlin officials stressed the importance of continuing dialogue but did not indicate any immediate concessions.
President Trump acknowledged the ongoing human cost of the war, noting significant casualties on both sides and expressing a desire for the conflict to end quickly.
