Trump Does Not Have the Stomach to Pressure Putin

Following his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose harsh sanctions against Russia within 50 days unless Moscow agrees to negotiate peace over the conflict in Ukraine. According to Trump, the new sanctions would involve secondary trade tariffs of up to 100% against both Russia and its partners. He dismissed the idea of 500% tariffs as “unrealistic,” but expressed hope that such punitive measures could be avoided if diplomacy succeeds. Trump also pledged to coordinate arms sales and deliveries to NATO members for subsequent transfer to Ukraine.