Trump’s ultimatum: 10 days for Russia to end the war, new sanctions, and Patriot deliveries to Ukraine
During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump made an unexpected statement: he will no longer wait a month and a half for Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine. Previously, he had set a 50-day deadline for reaching agreements, but now this period has been reduced to 10-12 days from today.
“I am very disappointed in Putin. I am reducing these 50 days because I think everything is already clear. We thought we had reached an agreement more than once. And then Putin comes out and launches missiles at some city, for example, at Kyiv and kills a bunch of people in a nursing home or somewhere else,” Trump said during a speech to journalists.
This direct quote underlines: the US President is personally disappointed with the actions of the Russian leadership and no longer believes in prolonged diplomatic negotiations without concrete results.
If within this new, shortened deadline the parties do not conclude a peace agreement, the US may introduce secondary sanctions against Russia. Trump stated directly:
“I am going to set a new deadline in about 10 or 12 days from today. We simply do not see any progress. We will introduce secondary sanctions against Russia if we do not reach an agreement. We can agree. I don’t know.”
A clarification from a White House representative to CNN: “secondary tariffs” mean 100% duties on Russian goods and secondary sanctions against countries that purchase Russian oil. It is important to note that this is not just political rhetoric, but a clear threat of economic pressure not only on Russia but also on its partners.
Weapons Deliveries: A New Approach and the Key Role of Patriot
While speaking with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump emphasized that he intends to send “the most advanced weapons” to the Alliance, which can then be delivered to Ukraine. Under the new agreement, NATO countries will buy weapons from the US, and then independently transfer them to Ukraine.
“Today we reached an agreement under which we will send them weapons, and they will pay for it. We are going to produce top-class weapons and send them to NATO.”
According to Trump, this allows not only to speed up deliveries (thanks to stocks in Europe) but also to minimize political criticism in the US. Responsibility for payment lies with the Alliance itself. The US President emphasized: 17 Patriot systems are already being prepared for shipment, and a large number of these systems will be on the battlefield. Rutte thanked Trump for the new scheme, noting that this would allow Ukraine to receive the “vital weaponry” it needs.
Political, Financial, and Logistical Logic Behind the Decision
- Political safety for the US: selling weapons to allies, rather than directly transferring to Ukraine, allows the US to avoid accusations of excessive involvement in the war, while still providing support.
- Financial benefit: one Patriot system costs about $1 billion, which gives the US economic advantages and additional income from new contracts.
- Logistical speed: systems already located in Europe can be transferred to Ukraine much faster than transporting from the US or manufacturing from scratch.
Details on the Weapons to Be Delivered to Ukraine
In addition to Patriot, under the new approach, the US may sell its allies missiles, howitzer shells, and medium-range air defense systems. Allies will then determine the final recipient namely, Ukraine. This scheme provides both political and legal protection for Washington and its European partners.
Assessment of Patriot Effectiveness and International Involvement
- Patriot systems have already demonstrated their ability to intercept all types of Russian missiles, including hypersonic “Kinzhal” and “Tsirkon.”
- Bundeswehr Major General Christian Freidig stated that Ukraine will be able to use Patriot systems provided by Germany to shoot down enemy aircraft even in Russian airspace.
- Additional Patriot batteries are being prepared for delivery from Israel, Germany, Norway, and four more NATO countries.
The Ultimatum as a Strategy and Instrument of Influence
Trump’s statement about shortening the deadline for a peace agreement to 10-12 days is not just a diplomatic gesture, but a tool of pressure with the threat of powerful economic sanctions and tariffs. The new approach to weapons deliveries combines political benefit, operational flexibility, and real military assistance to Ukraine, which has already proven effective on the battlefield.
“Putin’s words are just talk, and then missiles fly to Kyiv and kill people,” Trump summarizes.
On the one hand, the US is increasing diplomatic pressure, and on the other, building a new architecture of defense support, where Ukraine will receive key systems through European partners.
Explanations of terms in the article:
- Secondary sanctions restrictions not only against the aggressor country but also against those who do business with it (for example, buy Russian oil).
- Patriot American surface-to-air guided missile system for destroying aircraft, cruise, and short-range ballistic missiles.
- Patriot battery a full set including launchers, radar, command post, and generator, capable of holding up to 32 interceptor missiles.
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