Washington: In an extraordinary reversal of his earlier stance, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday declared a comprehensive arms initiative for Ukraine and threatened sweeping economic sanctions against countries that continue to buy Russian oil, unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal within 50 days. This dramatic announcement marks a defining pivot in Trump’s foreign policy and could potentially reshape the geopolitical dynamics of the ongoing Ukraine war.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump announced a coordinated effort with key NATO allies to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. He emphasized that billions of dollars’ worth of U.S.-manufactured advanced weaponry including much-sought Patriot air defense systems would be redirected to Ukraine. "We’re going to send top-of-the-line weapons, and NATO partners will pay for them,” Trump said, reiterating that American taxpayers will not bear the cost.
Trump confirmed that some of the 17 Patriot batteries previously ordered by other countries would now be redirected to Ukraine. “They’ll be swapped out. Some countries will send theirs immediately and receive replacements from the U.S. soon after,” he said, adding that delivery would begin “within days.”
Several NATO countries including Germany, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Canada have agreed to participate in the rearmament initiative, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
In a bold new escalation, Trump threatened to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs on any country continuing to purchase Russian oil. While the West has long restricted its own financial dealings with Moscow, most have refrained from penalizing others for maintaining commercial ties with Russia. Trump’s threat breaks that trend and signals a more aggressive stance.
“We’re giving 50 days. If Russia doesn’t agree to a peace deal, we’re going to impose 100% tariffs on their exports—and that includes penalties for other nations buying from them,” Trump declared.
A White House official later clarified that the measures could include sanctions targeting financial institutions and trading companies that facilitate Russian exports, along with steep tariffs on nations seen to be aiding Moscow’s war economy. The official also mentioned a proposed bill backed by 85 U.S. Senators allowing tariffs up to 500% on countries aiding Russia awaiting Trump’s green light.
Financial markets in Russia responded with cautious optimism, relieved by the 50-day grace period. The rouble rebounded, and Russian stock indices edged higher. Artyom Nikolayev, an analyst with Invest Era, said: “The 50-day window is a diplomatic opening. Trump has a record of extending deadlines, so markets are hopeful a solution may still emerge.”
Nevertheless, the sanctions threat has triggered alarm in countries like India and China, which have grown increasingly dependent on discounted Russian oil. With U.S. lawmakers from both parties united behind the idea of secondary sanctions, these countries may soon be forced to reconsider their energy alignments.
In Ukraine, where cities continue to endure devastating drone and missile strikes, Trump’s sudden support was welcomed with measured optimism. “He wasn’t with us from the start. But at least now he’s listening,” said Denys Podilchuk, a dentist in Kyiv. “We’ll take the Patriots our people are dying.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Trump’s envoy, General Keith Kellogg, to discuss air defense upgrades and defense production collaboration with European nations. “We are talking about practical ways to accelerate peace and protect our people,” Zelenskyy posted on X.
The timing was chilling: shortly after the meeting, air-raid sirens rang out across Kyiv as Russia launched yet another wave of drone attacks.
Trump’s frustration with President Vladimir Putin was palpable. He said his administration had made four serious attempts at brokering peace, but each time, overnight bombings in Ukraine sabotaged progress. “I don’t want to call him an assassin but he plays dirty,” Trump said bluntly. “We offer peace, and we get missiles in return.”
Last week, Trump accused Moscow of deceiving the West, saying, “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin.” This apparent hardening of attitude may reflect growing disillusionment with the idea that diplomacy alone will stop Russia’s advance.
Amidst the geopolitical upheaval, Zelenskyy announced a major leadership change at home. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will be replaced by his deputy, Yulia Svyrydenko an economist central to Ukraine’s mineral export negotiations with the U.S. and EU. The move is seen as a strategic shift toward economic and defense diplomacy, and her appointment is pending parliamentary approval.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres cautiously welcomed Trump’s shift, reiterating the need for a ceasefire and political resolution “consistent with international law.”
Back in Washington, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen said Trump’s announcement was “positive but late” and stressed that U.S. commitment must be long-term. “A few Patriots won’t be enough. We need to sustain this support if we expect Putin to come to the table.”
Trump’s move to balance weapons deliveries with a sanctions ultimatum creates both pressure and opportunity. The 50-day deadline gives Russia and its oil clients time to reconsider. Whether this ultimatum results in peace or a deeper rift will depend on Moscow’s next steps.
With this bold shift, Trump is no longer walking the tightrope between appeasement and pressure. He has drawn a red line. What remains to be seen is whether Putin will cross it or if the world will be dragged into a broader conflict should diplomacy fail once again.