U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “very angry” and “pissed off” over Putin’s recent remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In an interview with NBC, Trump blasted Putin for questioning Zelensky’s leadership and suggested new Ukrainian leadership as part of the peace process.
“I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump warned, in a sharp escalation of his rhetoric toward Moscow. “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… I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil.”
Despite the heated remarks, Trump emphasized that his relationship with Putin remains strong, stating, “I have a very good relationship with him,” though adding that his anger would “dissipate quickly… if he does the right thing.”
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a major issue in international diplomacy, with Putin continuing to reject proposals for a ceasefire, while Trump pushes for a swift end to the war.
As Russian forces advance, tensions remain high, and Ukraine accuses Russia of dragging out talks with no intention of ending its offensive.
In response to a potential ceasefire, Trump declared, “There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25 to 50 point tariff on all oil,” signaling a hardline approach to Moscow’s aggression.