Trump threatens Putin with tariffs and increases support for Ukraine

已複製連結

Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump's ultimatum. Trump has given Russia 50 days to make peace with Ukraine or he'll impose steep trade tariffs.

Trump has offered Patriot missile defence systems to Kyiv via NATO with European countries paying for them. Ukraine's president thanked Trump whose decision was praised by NATO's secretary general.

A major announcement on Russia by the U.S. president with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on hand. In fact there were two decisions.

One on weapons support for Ukraine,the other on tariffs facing Russia and partners if Putin does not negotiate and end the war.

Donald Trump said "We're going to be doing secondary tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days. It's very simple. And they'll be at 100 percent.

A shift from Trump, now leaning more towards Ukraine offering weapons to Kyiv via NATO with Europe paying.

The U.S. Leader continued: "The purpose of this is to say that there's a very big deal we've made. This is billions of dollars' worth of military equipment, is going to be purchased from the United States going to NATO, etc. And that's going to be quickly distributed to the battlefield."

Thanks from Rutte in Washington and from Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

"I am grateful to President Trump for protecting our people's lives", the Ukrainian president says. "This war continues solely because Putin prolongs it."

Reaction from Zelenskyy's fellow Ukrainians too, not far from the war memorial in Independence Square.

Residents enjoying the evening near this Sushi and sandwich kiosk in Kyiv.

Oles says maybe it will make a 5 or 10 percent change but does not see Trump's announcement fundamentally changing things.

Nina worries about the future for her grandson and doesn't believe in Trump. She says: "I don't understand Putin and I have no faith in Trump, she says.Trump says one thing today, tomorrow he may say something else."

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says Moscow "doesn't care," calling Trump's statement "theatrical."

State television reported the Trump and Rutte talks with the presenter telling the country:

The weapons famine Trump orchestrated for Ukraine has ended with a fast food binge with the treat served up by NATO and Europe picking up the bill.