Trump threatens Russia with severe tariffs if there is deal on peace in Ukraine reached in 50 days

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 14 that the U.S. will impose "severe tariffs" on Russia unless a peace deal on Ukraine is reached within 50 days. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said the tariffs could reach 100%, calling them "secondary tariffs." The move reflects growing frustration from Trump over Moscow’s reluctance to move forward with negotiations. He reiterated his stance that the war "wasn't his" and blamed former President Joe Biden for the conflict.

Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that he had expected progress months ago. Despite frequent conversations with Putin, Trump said the attacks on Ukrainian cities continued. "I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation," he recounted, only to hear from his wife later that another Ukrainian city had been bombed.

While Trump’s proposal adds pressure on Moscow, it falls short of a bipartisan Senate bill that seeks 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and materials. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas welcomed Trump’s tougher tone but criticized the 50-day window as too long, given the ongoing civilian casualties.

At the same press conference, Trump and Rutte announced a NATO arms procurement program that will purchase advanced U.S.-made weapons, including air defense systems, and deliver them to Ukraine. The plan will be fully funded and coordinated by NATO. Rutte said Ukraine would receive large quantities of missiles, ammunition, and other military hardware under the scheme, without compromising U.S. military readiness.

Germany and Norway have already signaled plans to buy and transfer additional Patriot missile systems to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly considering approving a new U.S. military aid package for Kyiv — the first since taking office — using presidential drawdown authority.

 Russia does not care about Trump's ultimatum - Medvedev

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former president, reacted dismissively to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent ultimatum, which threatens severe sanctions against Russia if no peace deal on Ukraine is reached within 50 days. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Medvedev mocked Trump’s move as a "theatrical ultimatum," claiming it stirred no reaction from Russia. "The world shuddered, awaiting the consequences. Militant Europe was disappointed. Russia was indifferent," he wrote.

The exchange follows previous tension between the two, including Trump’s criticism of Medvedev in June over comments suggesting nuclear weapons could be supplied to Iran. Trump had condemned the remark, asking whether Medvedev was "casually throwing around the ‘N word’ (Nuclear!)". In response, Medvedev claimed Russia does not plan to provide Iran with nuclear warheads and reiterated his opposition to U.S. strikes on Iranian targets.

Russians attack Zaporizhzhia Oblast: two people injured

On the night of July 14–15, Russian forces carried out an artillery strike on the city of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, injuring two civilians. According to Ivan Fedorov, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, the attack occurred around 2:00 a.m. A 60-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man, a married couple, were wounded in the shelling, which also damaged their home.

Additionally, Russian UAVs targeted the city of Zaporizhzhia and surrounding areas starting the previous evening. These drone attacks sparked multiple fires, which have since been contained by the State Emergency Service. The blast waves and resulting debris caused damage to a warehouse and an office building belonging to an infrastructure facility.

Ukraine's Air Force destroyed 178 Russian drones, 23 UAVs hit 7 locations

On the night of July 14–15, Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 267 Shahed-type attack UAVs and various decoy drones. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the assault began at 16:30 on July 14, with around 200 of the drones identified as Shaheds.

By 13:00 the next day, Ukrainian air defence forces had successfully shot down 178 Shahed drones and other UAVs across northern, southern, eastern, and central regions. An additional 66 decoy drones were either suppressed or disappeared from radar due to electronic warfare measures.

Despite the successful interceptions, 23 drone strikes were recorded in seven different locations, and debris from downed UAVs fell in nine others.