By M10News World Desk | July 14, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that Moscow will face heavy economic penalties unless it agrees to a ceasefire deal in Ukraine within the next 50 days.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said the U.S. would impose “very severe tariffs” if Russia fails to comply.

“We’re going to be doing secondary tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days,” Trump said. “It’s very simple, and they’ll be at 100%.”
The U.S. president said he was “disappointed” in Putin, claiming he expected a peace agreement to have been reached two months ago.
“I thought we were getting close. I was hopeful,” he said. “But now we’re setting a clear deadline. I hope we don’t have to act, but we will if needed.”
Trump also expressed frustration with his past conversations with the Russian leader, saying the tone of the discussions did not match actions on the ground.
“I always hang up thinking, ‘Well, that was a nice phone call.’ And then missiles hit Kyiv. It’s strange. After that happens three or four times, you realize talk doesn’t mean anything,” he remarked.
In his comments, Trump emphasised that he does not want the conflict to be seen as his responsibility.
“Let me be very clear: this is not Trump’s war,” he said. “This has been going on long before I got here.”
Trump’s ultimatum came during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He also confirmed that the U.S. would be delivering Patriot missile systems to Ukraine to bolster the country’s air defences.

As Trump announced the new measures, Ukrainian officials reported that drone strikes had killed four people and injured at least 21 others in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, triggering air raid alerts in seven areas across northern and eastern Ukraine.
Kremlin Reaction
While the Kremlin did not immediately respond to the U.S. president’s threat, Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev dismissed the remarks as political theatrics.
“Oh, how much can change both on the battlefield and in Washington’s mood over 50 days,” Kosachev said.
Trump has previously issued warnings of sanctions against Russia but has yet to follow through with punitive action. Monday’s remarks mark the clearest signal yet that the White House is prepared to tie economic pressure directly to a ceasefire timeline.
Transatlantic Trade Tensions Rise
Trump’s remarks also extended to U.S.-EU trade relations, as he warned of a possible 30% tariff on European imports, a move that has alarmed allies across the continent.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen described the threat as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified,” stating that Europe does “not want a trade war” with the United States.

The European Union’s trade commissioner confirmed that Brussels is actively considering retaliatory tariffs should Trump proceed with the proposed sanctions.
“We want to avoid escalation, but we will not hesitate to defend the interests of our industries and citizens,” the commissioner said.
The escalation in rhetoric reflects growing geopolitical uncertainty as Trump applies increasing pressure on both adversaries and allies to align with his foreign policy goals.
Moscow’s next move—and whether it engages with Trump’s ceasefire deadline—remains to be seen.