Paasikivi on Trump's Announcement: 'A Change of Course'

If Russia does not lay down its arms within 50 days, the country will face American tariffs. This is a signal that Trump is growing tired of Putin, according to military expert Joakim Paasikivi.

• But we will see if this really forces the Russians to the negotiating table, he says.

Trump wants to see peace in Ukraine within 50 days, or else Russia will be punished with 100% tariffs. This was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

• The deadline is a signal of Trump's disappointment with Russia. But we will see if this really forces the Russians to the negotiating table, says military expert Joakim Paasikivi.

He points out that there is not much trade between the two countries today, but the threat of secondary sanctions against countries trading with Russia could put pressure on Putin.

Trump Sharpens His Tone Against Putin

At the same time, today's announcement is another signal that Trump has sharpened his tone against Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

• Trump's last three statements about Putin 'talking nonsense', his disappointment with him, and that the U.S. is open to sending weapons to Ukraine is a change of course.

How the arms deliveries change Ukraine's current situation depends on what weapons the country receives, according to Paasikivi.

• The most important thing in the short term is air defense, so they can defend both the population and the industry in the country. In the long term, they need long-range weapons to strike against units and logistics deep inside Russia. That could create tremendous stress for the Russians.

'Hope to Unlock Frozen Russian Assets'

According to the agreement between the U.S. and NATO, Ukraine will now receive a 'massive number' of weapons, says Trump. But it is NATO that will have to foot the bill, raising questions about how the financing will look from Europe's side.

• I hope that frozen Russian assets will be unlocked to buy the weapons and support Ukraine.