Trump Arms Ukraine, Threatens Russian Oil Buyer Nations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump announced new Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine and threatened severe sanctions on nations buying Russian oil if Moscow refuses peace. The dramatic policy shift stems from Trump’s growing frustration with Putin’s continued attacks. The ultimatum could reshape global energy and security dynamics.
Trump’s Ukraine Reversal Quick Looks
- Trump pledges Patriot missiles, weapons aid for Ukraine
- Threatens secondary sanctions on nations buying Russian oil
- Says Moscow has stalled peace despite multiple negotiations
- NATO Secretary-General Rutte joins Oval Office announcement
- U.S. allies to fund new weapons deliveries to Ukraine
- Possible 100% tariffs on Russian exports under discussion
- Trump frustrated by Russia’s continued strikes on Ukraine
- U.S. lawmakers push legislation for secondary sanctions
- China, India among key buyers of Russian oil exports
- Ukraine braces for intensified Russian attacks as talks falter
Deep Look
Trump Shifts Stance: Arms Ukraine, Threatens Sanctions On Russian Oil Buyers Amid Growing Frustration With Putin
WASHINGTON/KYIV — President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled a sweeping new approach to the Ukraine conflict, pledging advanced U.S. weapons to Kyiv and threatening severe sanctions—including potentially 100% tariffs—on countries purchasing Russian oil, unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal within 50 days.
The bold move signals a stark reversal for Trump, who upon returning to the White House this year had vowed to quickly end the war through diplomacy and previously expressed skepticism about continued U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
An Oval Office Pivot
Speaking beside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during an Oval Office press appearance, Trump described mounting disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has previously praised as a potential peace partner.
“We actually had probably four times a deal. And then the deal wouldn’t happen because bombs would be thrown out that night, and you’d say we’re not making any deals,” Trump said, highlighting his frustration with Putin’s pattern of escalating attacks despite negotiations.
Trump declared that billions of dollars’ worth of advanced weapons—including coveted Patriot air defense systems—would soon head to Ukraine, though he stressed that NATO allies would foot the bill.
“We’re going to make top-of-the-line weapons, and they’ll be sent to NATO,” Trump said. “It’s a full complement with the batteries. We’re going to have some come very soon, within days.”
Patriots On The Way
Ukraine has urgently requested additional Patriot missile batteries to shield its cities from a relentless barrage of Russian missile and drone strikes. Trump confirmed that several NATO countries already possessing Patriots will rotate their systems to Ukraine and replace them with new American equipment.
“A couple of the countries that have Patriots are going to swap over and will replace the Patriots with the ones they have,” Trump said, indicating immediate logistical plans are underway.
A Threat To Global Oil Markets
Perhaps even more consequential was Trump’s threat to impose so-called secondary sanctions—or punitive tariffs—on nations that continue purchasing Russian oil and other exports. Such measures would represent a seismic shift in the West’s sanctions playbook.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion over three years ago, Western countries have largely severed direct economic ties with Moscow but stopped short of blocking Russia’s global oil sales, which have sustained the Kremlin’s finances. Key importers of Russian crude include China and India, who have snapped up discounted oil amid Western sanctions.
“We’re going to be doing secondary tariffs,” Trump declared. “If we don’t have a deal in 50 days, it’s very simple, and they’ll be at 100%.”
A White House official later clarified that Trump’s comments referred both to 100% tariffs on Russian exports and to penalties against third countries continuing trade with Moscow.
Political Momentum In Washington
Trump’s tough stance comes as bipartisan support builds in Congress for legislation that would grant the president authority to enact secondary sanctions on nations trading with Russia. Lawmakers from both parties have argued that squeezing Moscow’s global oil revenues is essential to ending the conflict and limiting Putin’s capacity to fund further aggression.
“This war can’t keep dragging on indefinitely,” said one Republican senator close to Trump’s foreign policy team, speaking anonymously. “Russia needs to feel real economic pain if they refuse to negotiate.”
Putin’s Calculations Tested
Trump’s pivot arrives as the battlefield remains fiercely contested. Russian forces continue targeting Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones, inflicting heavy civilian casualties and stretching Ukraine’s air defenses thin. The U.N. recently reported that June was Ukraine’s deadliest month in three years, with over 230 civilians killed and more than 1,300 injured.
Despite repeated rounds of diplomacy, a comprehensive ceasefire has proved elusive. Putin’s government has publicly insisted it remains open to negotiations but continues launching strikes, leaving Ukrainian officials deeply skeptical of Moscow’s intentions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met Monday in Kyiv with Trump’s special envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, welcomed any new U.S. support. The two leaders discussed expanding air defenses, joint arms production, and tightening sanctions against Russia.
“We hope for the leadership of the United States, because it is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its ambitions are stopped by force,” Zelenskyy posted on Telegram after the meeting.
Potential Global Ripples
If implemented, Trump’s secondary sanctions could roil global oil markets, drive up prices, and strain relations with major trading partners like China and India. Analysts warn that new sanctions could also test European unity, as some EU members remain wary of measures that might drive energy prices higher or provoke Russian retaliation.
Still, Trump seems determined to deploy economic pressure as a means to break the deadlock.
“I use trade for a lot of things,” Trump said. “But it’s great for settling wars.”
As the 50-day countdown begins, the world is left watching whether Trump’s high-stakes gamble can force Putin to the table—or whether it risks further economic and geopolitical upheaval.
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