In a dramatic policy shift, the U.S. announced plans to send advanced weapons to Ukraine through NATO and threatened Russia with "severe tariffs" if a ceasefire isn\u2019t reached within 50 days. President Donald Trump, flanked by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, called the move a response to stalled peace talks and escalating Russian drone attacks. 💥
What\u2019s in the Package?
Ukraine will receive Patriot air defense missiles \u2013 some arriving "within days" \u2013 as part of a multi-billion-dollar military aid push. NATO allies like Germany, the UK, and Canada are also joining the effort. Meanwhile, Trump warned of 100% tariffs on Russian goods and secondary sanctions targeting countries buying Russian oil. 🛢️⚡
Global Reactions Split
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the support on Telegram, calling it crucial for achieving "lasting peace." But UN chief Antonio Guterres urged all actions to align with international law. In Moscow, Russian lawmaker Andrey Kartapolov dismissed the move, claiming it won\u2019t alter battlefield dynamics. 🇺🇦🇷🇺
Will Sanctions Work?
A bipartisan U.S. Senate bill proposes 500% tariffs on nations purchasing Russian exports, but experts remain divided. Former Pentagon official Evelyn Farkas suggested it could pressure Russia\u2019s leadership, while China Foreign Affairs University professor Li Haidong warned the conflict may escalate further, destabilizing Europe. 🤔💣
As the 50-day clock ticks, the world watches whether this high-stakes gamble will force diplomacy \u2013 or fuel more flames. ⏳🔥
Reference(s):
U.S. to send weapons to Ukraine, threatens sanctions on Russia
cgtn.com