In a striking shift in tone, President Donald Trump voiced his frustration with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, telling NBC he was “very angry, pissed off” over Putin’s remarks questioning the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The unexpected outburst comes as Trump seeks to broker an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
NBC’s Kristen Welker revealed that Trump personally called her early Sunday morning to express his anger, particularly over Putin’s suggestion that Ukraine might need new leadership—an idea Trump himself has entertained in the past. Despite their past diplomatic rapport, Trump made it clear he was displeased with Putin’s latest moves.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault,” Trump warned, “then I will impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia.”
Trump emphasized that he wants a swift resolution to the war, which has now entered its fourth year. However, efforts to reach a ceasefire have stalled, with Russia rejecting a proposed 30-day ceasefire deal and continuing its attacks, including a recent assault on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
In an effort to pressure Putin into negotiations, Trump floated the idea of severe tariffs. “If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” he stated, suggesting tariffs between 25% and 50% on Russian oil imports. The administration has yet to release specific details, but such a move could have a significant impact on Russia’s economy.
This bold stance marks a departure from Trump’s previous approach, where he maintained that he had a “very good relationship” with Putin. He acknowledged this dynamic, saying, “The anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing.”
Zelensky has not minced words regarding Russia’s reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations. In a Saturday evening address, he reiterated that Ukraine has been pushing for an unconditional ceasefire, only to be met with stalling tactics from Moscow.
“There could already be a ceasefire if there was real pressure on Russia,” Zelensky declared, urging the international community to step up sanctions against the Kremlin.
Putin, who has ruled Russia for 25 years with little political opposition, has continuously cast doubt on Zelensky’s legitimacy, particularly since Ukraine postponed elections due to the ongoing war. However, most Ukrainian political figures agree that elections should not be held while the country remains under attack.
Trump’s latest comments raise questions about the future of U.S.-Russia relations. While the president initially indicated a willingness to reestablish ties with Moscow, his administration’s policies—such as threatening steep tariffs—suggest a tougher stance.
Meanwhile, a tentative Black Sea truce was discussed in U.S.-led negotiations last week, but Russia has refused to sign any agreements until sanctions are lifted. The standoff leaves Ukraine in a precarious position, relying on U.S. leadership to push back against Russian aggression.
Trump’s rhetoric is a clear message to Putin: either negotiate in good faith or face severe economic consequences. Whether this strategy will lead to a breakthrough or further escalate tensions remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Trump is signaling that he won’t tolerate delays in ending the war.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on how Putin responds to Trump’s threat of economic retaliation and whether Ukraine can count on continued U.S. support in its fight for sovereignty.
