Former U.S. President Trump announced a major increase in military support for Ukraine on Monday. He pledged to send “top-of-the-line weapons” through NATO allies to help Ukraine defend itself. The announcement followed a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Washington.
Trump said the weapons package would include missiles and ammunition. European countries will supply Patriot air defense systems, with the U.S. providing replacements. He said the weapons are worth billions of dollars and will be delivered quickly to the battlefield.
In addition to military aid, Trump warned that the U.S. would impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that continue trading with Russia. He set a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a peace deal. If Russia refuses, these tariffs could severely damage countries that trade energy with Moscow.
This announcement signals a clear shift in Trump’s tone toward Russia. He criticized previous “nice phone calls” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying they did not stop airstrikes. Trump emphasized that action, not just words, is now needed to resolve the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump for his “willingness to support Ukraine.” Zelensky described their talks as focused on protecting civilians and finding solutions for peace.
Russia’s response was cautious, with analysts calling the tariff threat a bluff. Meanwhile, reactions in the U.S. and Europe were mixed. Some lawmakers welcomed the weapons support but stressed the need for ongoing aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s new military and economic measures aim to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and pressure Russia. It remains unclear if this will push Russia back to the negotiating table or escalate tensions further.
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