Trump’s Hardline on Russia: A Tactical Move or Policy Overreach?

President Donald Trump has sharply escalated his stance toward Russia by threatening to impose nearly 100% tariffs if Moscow fails to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine within the next 50 days. This bold ultimatum, made during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, signals an aggressive approach aimed at pressuring Vladimir Putin to halt hostilities. Is Economic Warfare the Right Tool for Peace? Tariffs of this magnitude—especially secondary tariffs targeting countries that do business with Russia—are designed to isolate Moscow economically on a global scale. But will this strategy work without collateral damage? Historically,...