TRUMP THREATENS RUSSIA WITH 100% TARIFFS, BOOSTS US WEAPONS FOR UKRAINE
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Russia, stating that if re-elected in the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, he would impose 100% tariffs on all Russian goods and drastically increase American military support to Ukraine. The move marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric and policy proposals aimed at both punishing Moscow economically and bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid the prolonged war.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Ohio, Trump declared, “Russia needs to understand that they cannot continue this war without paying a devastating price. If I return to office, they’ll face tariffs like never before – 100% on everything they export to the United States.” He also vowed to expedite the delivery of advanced U.S. weapon systems to Ukraine, including precision-guided missiles, anti-aircraft systems, and possibly even surplus F-16 jets, which the Biden administration has so far hesitated to deploy.
Trump’s bold stance represents a significant shift from his earlier positions during his presidency, where he was frequently accused by critics of being soft on Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Now, Trump appears to be leveraging a tougher approach to reassure allies and conservative hawks that he will take decisive action to end the war in Ukraine while simultaneously projecting American strength.
The proposed 100% tariffs would have serious implications for bilateral trade, though Russian exports to the U.S. have already declined sharply due to existing sanctions imposed since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022. Analysts say such tariffs would be more symbolic than impactful, given the limited volume of trade between the two nations today. However, the signal it sends could be politically powerful—further isolating Moscow on the global stage and pressuring other nations to reduce their economic ties with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s remarks, saying through a spokesperson, “Any effort to strengthen our military and weaken Russian aggression is a step in the right direction. We appreciate the commitment to freedom, sovereignty, and peace.”
Meanwhile, Kremlin officials have condemned Trump’s comments as “economic blackmail” and warned that such threats would only worsen global instability. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, “These statements, if implemented, will not go unanswered. Russia will protect its economic and national interests.”
Reactions in the U.S. have been mixed. Republican lawmakers aligned with Trump praised the plan as a “no-nonsense” strategy to deter Russia and quickly end the conflict. On the other hand, Democrats warned that such an aggressive move could escalate tensions, disrupt global markets, and alienate European allies who are already struggling with the economic fallout from the war.
Trump’s proposal has reignited debate over America’s role in the Ukraine war and whether a more aggressive economic and military posture could lead to peace or provoke a dangerous confrontation. With the 2024 election campaign intensifying, Trump’s foreign policy promises—particularly on Ukraine and Russia—are expected to be a major focus in the mon