The pressure of time is reshaping international diplomacy as President Donald Trump pushes NATO to act on Ukraine.
On Monday, Trump announced a major arms deal with NATO allies during a meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte. The United States will sell billions in weapons, including advanced Patriot missile systems, to NATO members. These weapons will go directly to Ukraine to support its defense.
Trump also issued a bold warning to countries trading with Russia. He promised to impose 100% secondary tariffs if peace talks fail within 50 days.
“This is significant,” Rutte said during an interview. He urged world powers like China, India, and Brazil to pressure Russia toward peace. “Call Putin,” Rutte said. “Tell him the sanctions are coming unless he gets serious about ending this war.”
According to Senator Lindsey Graham, countries like China and India still buy large volumes of oil from Russia. That trade, he said, helps fund Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Trump, meanwhile, has delayed more sanctions on Russia. He wants to give diplomacy one more chance. However, he voiced deep frustration with Putin’s continued missile strikes on Kyiv.
“It’s all talk, and then missiles kill 60 people,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “It’s got to stop.”
Recent talks in Istanbul produced no major breakthroughs. Putin continues to demand major concessions while escalating attacks. So far, only prisoner exchanges have come from negotiations.
Rutte said the new weapons deal proves the unity between the United States and Europe. “We will do whatever it takes for Ukraine,” he added.
“If I were in the Kremlin today, I’d be worried,” Rutte said. “President Trump is serious about peace.” Ukrainian officials have urged Trump to focus on what they call the pressure of time. Former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said time limits can force real decisions.
Kuleba added, “Without the pressure of time, diplomacy drags on endlessly. You need the right mix of sticks and carrots.” With 50 days now counting down, the world waits to see if this pressure finally brings results.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
