U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to send “top-of-the-line weapons” to Ukraine through NATO allies in a renewed push to pressure Russia into peace talks. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday, Trump announced that European nations will provide their own Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, which the U.S. will replace. The move aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense against intensifying Russian airstrikes.
“We want to make sure Ukraine can do what it wants to do,” Trump said, noting the weapons package, worth billions, would be “quickly distributed to the battlefield.” Rutte confirmed NATO’s role in coordinating the delivery and said Europe would bear the financial burden.
While specifics of the weapons were not disclosed, the deal includes missiles and ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), thanked Trump for his renewed support and expressed hope for lasting peace through continued cooperation.
Trump’s tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin has shifted, calling him “a tough guy” and expressing frustration that diplomatic talks have failed to prevent further attacks. “After that happens three or four times you say: the talk doesn’t mean anything,” Trump said, emphasizing the need for action over words.
In a separate announcement, Trump unveiled a bold economic threat: a 100% secondary tariff on any country that continues trading with Russia if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days. The measure would hit countries like India hard, making their goods less competitive in the U.S. if they continue purchasing Russian oil.
The proposed tariffs aim to choke off Russia’s ability to finance its war. Oil and gas currently account for more than 60% of Russia’s exports and nearly a third of its state revenue. Despite the tough rhetoric, Moscow’s stock index rose, suggesting markets had braced for even harsher action.
The announcement marks Trump’s first major military aid commitment to Ukraine since returning to office, and a shift in tone following previous skepticism about Ukraine’s role in the war. It also garnered rare praise from Democrats, who called the move overdue but critical.
While the Kremlin has yet to formally respond, some Russian officials downplayed the threat. Others warned the next 50 days could reshape the battlefield and U.S.-Russia relations.
The NATO-led weapons deal and looming tariff deadline signal a renewed effort to force Russia to the negotiating table but whether this will bring peace or provoke further escalation remains to be seen.
