Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made headlines again, and this time by giving Vladimir Putin a 50-day deadline to end the Ukraine war or face 100% tariffs and secondary sanctions. On the surface, it sounds like a tough ultimatum. But critics and observers warn, it may be a strategic gift to Moscow.

By offering a grace period before any penalties are enforced, Trump has unintentionally (or perhaps strategically) given Russia time to intensify its military offensive during the crucial summer months. Ukrainian civilians, already suffering from relentless missile and drone strikes, now face the chilling prospect that the Kremlin has been handed a 50-day pass.

Meanwhile, in Moscow, officials are reportedly breathing easier. Considering that immediate sanctions or the much harsher 500% tariffs proposed by the U.S. Senate were options, Trump’s plan may be seen as relatively lenient. Russia, already under layers of international sanctions, has proven resilient by building economic workarounds and diversifying trade relationships. As Russian lawmaker Anatoly Aksakov boldly put it, “No sanctions decisions against Russia produce results.”

Kremlin insiders believe 50 days is more than enough to reshape the battlefield or wait out a change of heart from the famously unpredictable Trump. As Russian Senator Konstantin Kosachev said on social media, “In 50 days, oh, how much can change…”—a statement loaded with both optimism and scepticism about Western resolve.

Yet, the U.S. isn’t staying idle. Trump has also signalled a renewed flow of weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missile defence systems, capable of shielding Ukrainian cities from Russia’s air assaults. That alone threatens to blunt Russia’s momentum and shifts the dynamic again.

Russian politicians have reacted angrily to Trump's approach. Communist Party lawmaker Leonid Kalashnikov accused him of duplicity: speaking the language of peace while simultaneously fuelling the war through arms supplies to Ukraine. Kalashnikov said, “He wants this war to continue, but not by his own hands.”

Final Thoughts

Trump’s 50-day window has opened a diplomatic and military chessboard. While it’s intended to push both sides toward peace, it could also allow Russia to escalate before the clock runs out. As missiles continue to rain on Ukraine, and Western support firms up, one question remains: Will this plan bring peace or prolong the war under a different guise?