Donald Trump has given Russia 50 days to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning that failure to comply will result in 100% secondary tariffs on Russia and any countries doing business with it. This move aims to pressure Russia into ending its war on Ukraine.
*Key Points:*
- *Deadline:* Russia has until early September to agree to a ceasefire.
- *Tariffs:* 100% secondary tariffs will be imposed on Russia and countries doing business with it if no deal is reached.
- *NATO Support:* The US will continue to support Ukraine militarily through NATO, with the alliance responsible for funding and distributing weapons.
- *Economic Impact:* The tariffs could significantly impact Russia's struggling economy and global trade networks connected to Moscow.
Trump's ultimatum comes after repeated phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he described as "friendly" but ultimately ineffective in bringing about change. Trump emphasized that Russia should focus on rebuilding its economy rather than pursuing destructive actions.
*Market Reaction:*
- The Moscow stock exchange surprisingly surged after Trump's announcement, with market analysts attributing this to investors expecting even more aggressive measures, such as 500% tariffs, which were reportedly considered earlier.
*Global Implications:*
- The potential tariffs could shake up global trade, affecting countries that do business with Russia.
- The situation remains uncertain, with all eyes on whether Russia will change its course or continue its campaign in Ukraine ¹.