In statements made on Monday, Trump revealed that his earlier belief in being able to reach a swift agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin has shifted. “I felt we were close to a deal about four times,” he said. But the U.S. president now argues that only by drastically raising the cost of war can Putin be brought to the table.

According to officials familiar with the plan, Trump’s new $10 billion aid package to Ukraine includes Patriot missile systems, air defenses, and artillery — to be delivered via NATO intermediaries. The package may also authorize the use of long-range ATACMS missiles at their full 300 km range, targeting Russian supply depots and airbases beyond Ukraine’s current strike capabilities.

Trump reportedly pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week, asking, “Why aren’t you hitting Moscow?” Zelensky replied, “Give us the weapons, and we can.” Sources say Trump insisted that pressure on both Moscow and St. Petersburg is necessary to change Russia’s calculus.

Tariff Threats And Strategic Ambiguity

In addition to military support, Trump declared that Russia would face “heavy tariffs” if no agreement is reached. The proposal also includes a conditional option to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles, previously used in strikes on Iranian targets. While not yet authorized, these weapons could theoretically reach Moscow and St. Petersburg if launched from Ukraine.

The Pentagon has been pushing for the use of longer-range weaponry for months, arguing that every extension of Ukrainian missile range forces Russia to relocate equipment — a tactic now reaching its limits.

Insiders describe Trump’s thinking as driven by three motives: Putin’s perceived disrespect toward his ceasefire efforts, confidence in U.S. military superiority demonstrated in recent strikes against Iran, and the belief that only raw power can force Moscow to compromise.

When asked what he would do if Putin escalates further, Trump avoided specifics, saying only, “Don’t ask me how far I’ll go. I just want the war to end.”