Trump Announces Massive Arms Deal Including Patriot Missiles for Ukraine With 50‑Day Ceasefire Ultimatum
In a dramatic shift in the Ukraine war strategy, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new arms deal that includes advanced weaponry such as Patriot missile systems for Ukraine—on the condition that both Kyiv and Moscow agree to a 50-day ceasefire. The proposal, unveiled during a press briefing, marks Trump’s most comprehensive intervention in the conflict since he began campaigning for a return to the White House in 2024.
Trump’s plan includes billions of dollars in U.S. military aid, primarily focused on bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The centerpiece of the package is the provision of multiple Patriot missile batteries, which are designed to intercept incoming Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. The deal also includes precision-guided munitions, advanced drones, and logistical support.
However, Trump’s offer comes with a strict ultimatum: both sides must agree to a 50-day ceasefire, or the deal will be scrapped. “We are offering Ukraine the tools to defend itself, but we must also give peace a chance,” Trump declared. “If both sides cannot lay down their arms for 50 days, then we are simply fueling endless war.”
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions domestically and internationally. In Washington, critics accuse Trump of overstepping and undermining ongoing diplomacy by imposing unilateral conditions on a multilateral conflict. Supporters argue that his approach could force both Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, at least temporarily halting the bloodshed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautiously welcomed the proposal, stating that any pause in hostilities would provide much-needed relief to civilians and allow for infrastructure repair. However, Ukrainian officials emphasized that they would not accept any terms that compromise territorial integrity or sovereignty.
The Kremlin has responded skeptically, calling Trump’s plan “politically motivated” and “unrealistic.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “Ceasefires cannot be dictated by outside actors with electoral ambitions. Real peace must come through balanced negotiation, not ultimatums.” Still, analysts believe Moscow may be tempted by a ceasefire if it offers time to regroup or relieve international pressure.
Trump’s announcement comes as the war in Ukraine enters its third year, with no clear end in sight. The front lines have shifted only marginally in recent months, but both sides continue to suffer heavy casualties. Russia has intensified missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine is struggling to maintain its air defenses and supply lines amid growing fatigue in Western capitals.
The proposed Patriot missile systems would significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace, especially critical infrastructure in cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Currently, Ukraine’s air defense relies heavily on aging Soviet-era systems and a limited supply of Western interceptors.
The international community is now closely watching how Kyiv and Moscow respond. NATO officials have expressed tentative support for a short-term ceasefire, but remain wary of any proposal that could freeze the conflict without addressing underlying issues.
Whether Trump’s high-stakes offer becomes a diplomatic breakthrough or a campaign talking point remains to be seen. But it has undeniably put fresh pressure on all sides to consider a temporary truce—and possibly, a path toward peace.