Trump Unveils Bold Strategy to Arm Ukraine and Sets New Peace Deadline for Russia | CNN Politics

When Donald Trump won the election last year, European leaders were anxious. They worried about US support for Ukraine. Trump had promised to reduce America’s role in the conflict. Fast forward eight months, and there’s a new plan in motion. Trump now suggests selling US weapons to European countries, which would then send them to Ukraine.

During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump unveiled this strategy. He also set a 50-day deadline for Russia to negotiate peace, warning of heavy tariffs if no agreement is reached. “We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs,” he claimed, indicating a potential 100% tariff on Russian goods. This move aims to press both Russia and its allies to take negotiations seriously.

A White House official explained that these tariffs would apply to countries buying Russian oil. Trump’s focus on selling weapons like Patriot missile systems and short-range missiles fits his dual goal: support Ukraine while sidestepping accusations of going back on his promise to limit US involvement.

There’s a financial angle too. Each Patriot missile system costs about $1 billion. Trump has highlighted the potential profits this deal could generate for the US. American officials believe that positioning these systems in Europe could speed up their deployment to Ukraine. The quicker transfer is essential, especially as the conflict intensifies.

This strategy emerged after discussions at last month’s NATO summit. Trump engaged in productive talks with European leaders and Ukraine’s president. The plan was not just a reaction to Trump’s election but also a proactive measure from European countries looking to ensure continued support for Ukraine.

NATO, functioning as a coordinator, does not directly send weapons to Ukraine. The organization helps facilitate transfers from member states. Countries like Germany and Norway are already on board, with others likely to follow.

Ukraine has made it clear it needs more weaponry. Specifically, President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that ten new Patriot systems are crucial to defend against rising missile threats from Russia. The country’s survival hinges on timely support from NATO allies.

In recent surveys, a significant number of Americans believe the US should continue assisting Ukraine. According to a Gallup poll, over 60% of respondents support ongoing military aid. This sentiment likely influences public discussions around Trump’s latest military initiative.

Historically, this situation mirrors past US foreign policy, where arms sales to allies have been used to exert influence and maintain global stability. By navigating the complex landscape of international relations, Trump aims to signal seriousness in dealing with Russia, especially as tensions continue to escalate.

As this plan unfolds, many eyes will be on the dynamics between NATO, Ukraine, and Russia. It’s not just about weapons; it’s about the broader implications for peace in Europe. The stakes are high, and the world will be watching closely in the coming weeks.

For further insights on military aid and international relations, visit [The Brookings Institution](https://www.brookings.edu/).

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