Trump promises more weapons for Ukraine, paid for by Europe
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said the US will send more weapons to Ukraine, signalling his growing impatience as Russia ignores his demands for a ceasefire and steps up its military campaign.
'We're not buying it, but we will manufacture it, and they're going to be paying for it,' Mr Trump said. He said the US was sending 'top-of-the-line weapons'.
Mr Trump did not say what weapons the US would send to Ukraine but that they would be replacements. Hr also said the US would impose 100 per cent 'secondary' tariffs on Russia if there is no deal in 50 days.
The administration hailed the move as a major shift in course as he looks to push Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the hostilities. But the details of the decision also reflect Mr Trump's priorities: it won't cost the US anything and Mr Trump is not dedicating any new US funding to Ukraine, at least for now.
'I'm disappointed in President Putin because I thought we would have had a deal two months ago, but it doesn't seem to get there,' Mr Trump said.
'So based on that, we're going to be doing secondary tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days.'
The White House did not immediately explain how Mr Trump envisioned the secondary tariff program working, though Mr Trump has previously suggested the levies would hit countries buying Russian oil.
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The president's remarks in recent weeks make clear that his patience is running out with Mr Putin.
Mr Trump directed most of his ire at Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in the first several months of his term but has grown increasingly frustrated that Mr Putin is still refusing his demands for a ceasefire. BLOOMBERG
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