US warns Russia of tariffs if war on Ukraine isn't resolved

President Donald Trump said on Monday he would punish Russia with “biting” tariffs if there isn't a deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.

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He made the announcement during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Trump also said NATO members will purchase “billions and billions” of dollars in US weaponry including Patriot missiles and transfer the munitions to Ukraine under a new deal to support Kyiv in defending itself against Russia. And he said this should serve notice to Russian President Viadimir Putin that he is serious about ending the war.

He also touted a recent decision allowing religious leaders to endorse candidates without their organizations losing tax exempt status.

Addressing religious leaders at a White House event, Trump said “you have more power than anybody, but you're not allowed to use your power.” Russian commentators began to react to Trump's announcement with NATO's Mark Rutte late Monday Moscow time. There has not yet been an official statement from the Kremlin.

“Trump's dream is for war to be a business - to sell weapons to the EU,” Pro-Kremlin military blogger Yuri Kotenok wrote in a post on Telegram.

Others made light of Trump's threat of tariffs.

“Oh, how much can change both on the battlefield and with the mood of those leading the US and NATO in 50 days,” said senior lawmaker Konstantin Kosachev.