President Donald Trump has severed communications with Vladimir Putin as the United States prepares to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russian goods starting September 2 unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal with Ukraine. “We haven’t spoken since I announced the measures,” Trump stated, confirming the U.S. will supply Patriot missiles and other weapons to Kyiv through NATO, funded by European allies. Initial Patriot shipments have reportedly departed Germany, though Berlin has yet to confirm the delivery.
Uncertainty surrounds the timeline and adequacy of these air-defense systems, which may be insufficient to protect all of Ukraine. Similar doubts persist over undisclosed U.S. weaponry, as America must manufacture new arms rather than tap existing stockpiles—a process potentially outpaced by Russia’s Iran- and North Korea-backed war machine. The 50-day tariff deadline risks enabling further Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, though analysts predict minimal territorial gains. Meanwhile, relentless missile and drone strikes (400 overnight) continue to inflict civilian casualties.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled. The Kremlin demanded Washington pressure Kyiv to resume negotiations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov alleging Ukraine misinterprets Western support as “a signal for war continuation.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered that Kyiv stands ready for peace talks “at any time.”
In parallel, Ukraine’s parliament preliminarily approved an additional $9.8 billion in defense spending, supplementing a record $53.2 billion already allocated for 2025. Funding will come from domestic borrowing and increased tax revenues. The European Commission offered Kyiv long-term relief, proposing €100 billion in EU aid for 2028–2034—double the current package. “We are doubling the Ukraine fund to support recovery and EU accession,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
However, EU members again failed to pass new Russia sanctions after Slovakia vetoed the package, citing inadequate safeguards against gas-phaseout costs. Malta also reportedly raised objections.