United States President, Donald Trump, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin following stalled ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine.
In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump criticized Putin for questioning the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and warned of potential economic consequences if Russia does not agree to halt the conflict.
Trump, who has previously been perceived as aligning closely with Putin, signaled a shift in tone, stating that he was “very angry” and “pissed off” over the Russian leader’s remarks.
Over recent weeks, he had pressed Zelensky for concessions while appearing conciliatory toward Putin.
However, his latest statements suggest a possible pivot in the U.S. approach.
“You could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when… Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right location,” Trump said in the interview.
Trump warned that if ceasefire negotiations fail and he determines Russia is responsible, he would impose tariffs on Russian oil.
“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 – which it might not be… I am going to put secondary tariffs… on all oil coming out of Russia,” he stated.
He elaborated on the extent of these tariffs, explaining that “there will be a 25% tariff on oil and other products sold in the United States, secondary tariffs,” and that further penalties could reach 50% on goods from nations continuing to purchase Russian oil.
This measure could significantly impact major importers of Russian energy, particularly China and India.
Zelensky, in response to Trump’s comments, took to social media to emphasize the urgency of the situation.
“Russia continues looking for excuses to drag this war out even further,” he wrote. “Putin is playing the same game he has since 2014,” referencing Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
He called for a decisive international response, stating that “this is dangerous for everyone – and there should be an appropriate response from the United States, Europe, and all our global partners who seek peace.”
Putin, meanwhile, has suggested the possibility of a UN-led interim government in Ukraine to organize new elections before engaging in peace talks.
Moscow maintains that Zelensky’s government is illegitimate, arguing that his extended stay in power beyond his term disqualifies him as a negotiating partner.
However, Ukraine has defended the decision, citing martial law and wartime conditions that have made elections impractical.
Millions of Ukrainians remain displaced, while many others are actively engaged in combat.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war has resulted in significant casualties.
Independent sources, including BBC Russian and Mediazona, estimate that over 100,000 Russian soldiers have lost their lives. Ukraine last reported 43,000 military casualties in December 2024, though Western analysts suggest the actual number may be higher.
Beyond Ukraine, Trump also addressed the ongoing nuclear standoff with Iran, reiterating a strong stance against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
He warned of military action if Iran does not engage in negotiations, stating, “It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,” while also threatening to impose secondary tariffs.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded on Sunday, saying direct talks with the U.S. were not on the table, though indirect negotiations could be considered.
“We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” Pezeshkian said. “They must prove that they can build trust.”
In a striking moment during his NBC interview, Trump also suggested he would not rule out seeking a third presidential term, despite constitutional restrictions.
“A lot of people want me to do it,” he said. “But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go.”
Trump’s remarks have drawn global attention, signaling potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy and economic strategies as tensions continue to rise.
