WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday unveiled a sweeping new military support plan for Ukraine, warning Russia that it must end its war within 50 days or face crushing economic retaliation. The announcement signals a major shift in Trump’s second-term strategy toward the Kremlin, following weeks of growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Under the plan, the United States will supply advanced weaponry—including Patriot missile systems—to Ukraine. NATO allies will purchase the weapons directly from the U.S. and coordinate distribution to Ukrainian forces. Trump confirmed that some systems would arrive within days, with NATO countries that already possess Patriots agreeing to swap out their stock for newer American systems.
“It’s a full complement with the batteries,” Trump said. “A couple of the countries that have Patriots are going to swap over and will replace the Patriots with the ones they have.”
Rutte emphasized the scale of the support package, describing it as “massive numbers of weapons” and “a first wave of equipment” aimed at countering escalating Russian aggression. The move comes after a period of hesitation in the White House earlier this month, when the administration briefly paused arms shipments before reversing course in response to renewed Russian attacks.
50-Day Warning and Economic Threats
Trump delivered a stark ultimatum to Moscow: end the war within 50 days or face a new round of “very severe” economic sanctions, including secondary tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to trade with Russia.
“We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Tariffs at about 100 percent.”
The tariffs would target Russia’s remaining economic partners, such as China, India, and Brazil, aiming to cripple Moscow’s trade routes and increase global pressure on Putin. Trump’s stance is echoed by congressional Republicans and Democrats alike.
‘Sledgehammer’ Sanctions Bill in Congress
A bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate—backed by Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal—would empower Trump with sweeping economic tools to punish Russia and its supporters.
“It would give President Trump the ability to impose 500% tariffs on any country that helps Russia,” said Graham. “This is truly a sledgehammer to end the war.”
The legislation would also unlock frozen Russian assets in the U.S. and Europe, with at least $5 billion potentially redirected to Ukraine. Blumenthal confirmed talks are underway with Rutte on the legality and logistics of accessing these funds.
Trump’s Frustration With Putin Grows
Trump initially entered his second term seeking a diplomatic breakthrough, claiming during his campaign he could end the war “within 24 hours.” But after a fruitless phone call with Putin and intensified Russian attacks, Trump’s patience has run out.
“Putin really surprised a lot of people,” Trump said. “He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening.”
Trump previously drew criticism for berating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a February Oval Office meeting. However, his new strategy—backed by NATO and Congress—represents a renewed commitment to Ukraine’s defense, even as Russian forces advance and intensify missile and drone assaults.
Zelensky welcomed the U.S.-NATO initiative and the proposed sanctions legislation, saying it provides “the kind of leverage that can bring peace closer and make sure diplomacy is not empty.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin responded by warning that the transfer of more weapons to Ukraine would prolong the conflict, as Putin continues to resist U.S. and Ukrainian ceasefire proposals.
