White House threatens secondary sanctions on Russia buyers if ceasefire fails

The United States will impose severe tariffs and secondary sanctions on Russia and its oil buyers if Moscow fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.

“Countries purchasing oil from Russia will also face sanctions,” Leavitt warned, following President Donald Trump’s ultimatum issued on July 14 demanding a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 50 days.

Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Moscow’s trade partners and announced plans to supply Ukraine with U.S.-made air defense systems, including Patriots, financed by NATO allies. He expressed disappointment in President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of stalling talks, and said trade pressure would be used to end the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed U.S. support but said the 50-day period was too long. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko also criticized the deadline, saying it gives Russia time to escalate attacks.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas supported Trump’s firm stance but echoed concerns about the timeline, citing civilian casualties.

The Kremlin dismissed the ultimatum. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called U.S. demands “unacceptable,” while Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia would withstand new sanctions.

Putin has not officially responded but reportedly believes Russia’s economy can absorb further pressure and has no plans to withdraw troops.

On July 17, Russia launched a major drone attack on Dnipro using 64 drones, killing one and injuring five. Shelling continued in Donetsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv, including a maternity ward in Kharkiv where women and newborns were injured.

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War and Australian General Mick Ryan warned that Putin may exploit the 50-day window to intensify the war ahead of the September 2 deadline.