United States President Donald Trump has expressed strong displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin over recent remarks concerning Ukraine’s leadership. Trump, speaking to NBC’s Kristen Welker, said he was “very angry” about Putin questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position as leader.
In a telephone conversation with NBC, Trump warned that if Russia fails to reach an agreement to stop the war in Ukraine and is found responsible for prolonging the crisis, he would impose secondary tariffs on all Russian oil exports.
“If Russia and I cannot reach a deal to end the bloodshed in Ukraine, and I believe Russia is at fault, I will introduce tariffs on all oil coming from Russia,” Trump stated.
His comments mark a sharp shift in tone as his administration continues efforts to negotiate a peace deal, though without success. Putin recently dismissed a joint U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and suggested Zelensky should be removed from office as part of any resolution.
Russia Gains Confidence Amid U.S. Uncertainty
Since Trump’s return to office, warming relations between Washington and Moscow, coupled with Trump’s threats to halt support for Kyiv, have emboldened Russia on the battlefield. Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of prolonging talks without any genuine intention of stopping its military campaign.
Fresh attacks in the northeastern border city of Kharkiv resulted in six strikes overnight, leaving casualties, including wounded military personnel and at least two civilian deaths. Additionally, Russian forces captured a village just seven kilometers from Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, marking another significant advance.
No Ceasefire in Sight
Putin, who has ruled Russia for 25 years, continues to challenge Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing the expiration of his initial five-year mandate in May 2024. Under Ukrainian law, elections cannot be held during wartime, and opposition leaders have agreed that voting should only take place after the conflict ends.
Trump has also had strained relations with Zelensky, previously labeling him a “dictator” and engaging in public confrontations. However, Zelensky remains committed to rallying international support against Russia. In a recent address, he urged global allies to pressure Putin into accepting a ceasefire.
“For too long, America’s call for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table without a proper response from Russia,” Zelensky said, while acknowledging nations that have increased sanctions against the Kremlin.
Both Moscow and Kyiv had earlier agreed in principle to a Black Sea truce after discussions with U.S. officials, but Russia has insisted that sanctions must be lifted before any deal takes effect.
Explaining his tariff threat, Trump stated that countries purchasing Russian oil would face restrictions in doing business with the United States.
“If you buy oil from Russia, you won’t do business in the U.S. There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, possibly increasing to 50 percent,” he warned.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to falter, with no immediate resolution in sight for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
