Donald Trump issues 2-word slapdown to Vladimir Putin on Ukraine ceasefire

Former President Donald Trump has issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that if a ceasefire in Ukraine isn’t reached within that timeframe, Russia could face steep economic penalties.

Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn, Trump said it would be “too bad” for Moscow if no deal is made, referencing a possible imposition of “secondary tariffs” as high as 100%. These penalties would apply not only to Russian goods but potentially to countries and companies doing business with Russia.

“At the end of 50 days, if we don’t have a deal, it’s going to be too bad,” Trump said. “There will be tariffs. There will be more sanctions.”

The comments signal a harder line from Trump, who has often faced criticism for his relatively soft rhetoric toward Putin. While maintaining he is "on nobody’s side," Trump insisted his priority is ending the violence.

“I’m on humanity’s side. I want to stop the killing of thousands of people a week,” he said. “This is a Biden war, not a Trump war. I’m here to try and get us out of that mess.”

In a move that surprised some observers, Trump also confirmed he supports sending advanced U.S.-made Patriot missile systems to Ukraine—but only through U.S. allies in Europe, not directly from Washington. This marks a shift in his previous hesitancy to arm Kyiv with long-range capabilities.

Despite this support, Trump downplayed reports that the U.S. might soon send weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory, saying, “We’re not looking to do that.”

Trump also reiterated his disappointment in Putin’s handling of the war, noting that despite claiming to have resolved “a lot of wars” in recent months, this one remains unresolved.

With 50 days on the clock, the Trump ultimatum may increase diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin—but whether it results in a ceasefire remains to be seen.