In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent phone conversation, marking a notable shift in tone amid ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump’s remarks were reported by NBC’s Kristen Welker, who revealed that the President was particularly incensed by Putin’s recent comments questioning the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During the interview on “Meet The Press,” Trump shared his frustrations, stating he was “very angry, pissed off” over Putin’s insinuations regarding Zelensky’s credibility as a leader. This reaction comes in the wake of ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, where both Trump and Putin have made remarks about Zelensky’s future in office.
Trump underscored the urgency of addressing the conflict, making it clear that if he and Putin are unable to reach an agreement to halt the violence in Ukraine, he would impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil, stating, “I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia.” This statement reflects an aggressive stance toward Moscow, as Trump indicated that his patience has limits if Russia continues its operations without sincere negotiation.
Despite his anger, Trump acknowledged his historically “very good relationship” with Putin, suggesting that his frustrations could dissipate if the Russian leader takes appropriate actions. The ongoing war has persisted since 2020, and while Trump has consistently advocated for a swift resolution, his administration’s attempts to mediate between the two warring nations have yet to yield significant results.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains dire, as Ukrainian officials reported renewed attacks by Russian forces, particularly in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Recent strikes reportedly resulted in casualties, including at a military hospital and a residential area, indicating a troubling escalation of hostilities even as diplomatic efforts continue. Russian troops also captured a village near Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, marking advances in their ongoing military campaign.
Putin’s recent assertions, including questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy and suggesting leadership changes in Ukraine as part of any negotiated peace, have drawn criticism and further complicate the prospect of a ceasefire. Zelensky, facing mounting pressure to secure support from Western allies, has called for greater international pressure on Russia to truly engage in peace talks.
As discussions about a potential Black Sea ceasefire took shape earlier in the week, both nations showed interest in the concept but were hindered by disagreements concerning existing sanctions against Russia. Zelensky remarked on the lack of adequate responses from Moscow regarding an unconditional ceasefire proposal, highlighting the stalled negotiations.
Trump’s consideration of secondary tariffs on Russian oil signifies a potential escalation of economic sanctions against Moscow. He indicated that these measures would penalize countries engaged in trade with Russia, particularly targeting nations like China and India, who have maintained energy ties with Moscow despite international pressures.
Market analysts have noted that the effectiveness of such punitive measures will depend on their implementation details in the coming days. The geopolitical landscape remains complex, with ongoing conflicts, shifting alliances, and the ever-evolving relationship between Western powers and Russia. As this situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the fierce conflict that has profoundly impacted Ukraine and the region.
