Trump warns Russia: 50-day deadline, oil sanctions threat
US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Russia, threatening severe financial penalties if Moscow fails to cease its military aggression against Ukraine within 50 days. Speaking at a press conference, Trump emphasized the urgency of diplomatic resolution and announced plans to supply Ukraine with additional weapons to bolster its defense. He also declared that any nation purchasing oil from Russia would face 100% tariffs and sanctions. The move signals a renewed American commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and deterring Russian aggression.
Trump Warns Russia of 100% Tariff, Sanctions Over Ukraine War; 50-Day Ultimatum Sparks Market Response in Moscow
In a dramatic escalation of pressure on Moscow, US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that the United States will likely impose a 100% tariff on Russia — and could slap sanctions on countries that continue to buy Russian exports, particularly oil — unless the Kremlin ends its war against Ukraine within the next 50 days.
The statement came during a high-stakes meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, where Trump outlined his administration’s latest strategy to force Russia toward a peace deal.
“Tariffs at about 100%.”
Though details remain sparse, the president said the penalties would include what he called “secondary tariffs.” When pressed for clarification, Trump did not elaborate. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later told journalists that sanctions and tariffs were “both tools in his toolbox,” suggesting the administration was keeping its options open.
Grace Period Calms Markets — For NowTrump’s announcement, though aggressive in tone, included a 50-day grace period — a calculated move that markets in Russia seemed to welcome. The rouble, which had dropped in early trading, recovered some of its losses following the news. Russian stock markets also rallied slightly, buoyed by investor hopes that the country might be able to find a diplomatic off-ramp before the deadline expires.
While investors found a sliver of optimism, the pressure on Russia is unmistakable. Western countries have already drastically reduced financial ties with Moscow over the course of the three-year-old war. However, one major loophole has remained — Russia’s vast oil exports. Nations like China and India have continued to purchase Russian crude, helping the Kremlin earn hundreds of billions of dollars in oil revenue and giving it the financial cushion to prolong its campaign in Ukraine.
Trump’s new plan appears designed to directly target that lifeline.
Potential Sanctions on Russian Oil BuyersIf implemented, the proposed sanctions would not only hit Russia but also any country continuing to purchase its energy exports. This would represent a significant policy shift, as the US and its allies have so far stopped short of penalizing countries like India and China for maintaining trade ties with Moscow.
“The goal is peace through pressure,” a senior White House official said on background. “President Trump believes that the way to bring Russia to the table is to hit where it hurts — economically.”
The official emphasized that the administration was also in discussions with NATO allies and major oil-importing nations about the potential fallout of such a sanctions regime, including its effect on global energy prices.
Ukraine Expresses GratitudeMeanwhile, Ukrainian leaders welcomed Trump’s firm stance. A spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is “grateful for the United States’ unwavering support,” adding that the new ultimatum is “a strong message to the Kremlin that the world is not turning a blind eye to aggression.”
The Trump administration’s message of support wasn’t limited to economic threats. On Sunday, Trump had announced that the US would be sending what he described as a “top-of-the-line weapons” package to Ukraine.
“These are game-changing systems,” Trump said. “And our NATO allies will share the cost.”
The move adds another layer of military support for Kyiv at a time when the war appears locked in a bloody stalemate. Ukrainian forces have been battling to hold ground in the east and south of the country, with heavy casualties on both sides. The infusion of high-tech American weaponry could give Kyiv a much-needed boost in its defensive capabilities, especially against Russian missile and drone attacks.
A Calculated GambleWith the clock ticking, all eyes are now on how Russia — and its key trading partners — respond to the looming deadline. Some analysts see Trump’s move as a calculated gamble, designed to apply maximum pressure without immediately disrupting global oil flows. Others worry it could backfire, pushing Russia closer to alternative alliances and deepening its economic entrenchment with China.
Still, Trump appears confident that his strategy — a mix of hardline economics and strategic patience — could bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
We want peace.
The next 50 days may prove crucial — not just for Ukraine, but for the geopolitical balance between Washington, Moscow, and the rest of the world.