President Trump expressed strong frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, using terms like “very angry” and “pissed off” as he floated the idea of imposing severe tariffs on Russian oil due to stalled efforts at peace negotiations.
Trump’s comments came amid mounting tension over the delay in a potential cease-fire, as Moscow introduced fresh demands before agreeing to a US-supported proposal aimed at de-escalating military actions in the Black Sea and safeguarding energy infrastructure.
In particular, Trump took issue with a report alleging that Putin proposed establishing a temporary government in Ukraine to oust President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to AFP, Putin went so far as to say that Ukraine’s military leadership should take it upon themselves to remove Zelensky.
“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 — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump told NBC News on Sunday.
“That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” he added. “There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”
The former president warned that if progress on a cease-fire isn’t made soon, penalties targeting Russian oil could be implemented within 30 days.
Though Trump had previously echoed Russian narratives questioning Zelensky’s leadership, he struck a different tone in his latest remarks, pushing back against Putin’s recent rhetoric. He described the Russian leader’s words as “not going in the right location.”
Despite his criticism, Trump emphasized that his personal rapport with Putin remains intact, saying he still holds a “very good relationship” with him. Trump added that his frustration would ease if Putin simply “does the right thing.”
Trump revealed that he and Putin are expected to hold another discussion later this week in an effort to make headway on the cease-fire arrangement, according to his interview with NBC.
The administration continues to work toward bringing the conflict to a close, fulfilling Trump’s campaign vow to end prolonged foreign wars. Last week, American officials secured two separate cease-fire commitments — one to protect both countries’ energy infrastructure and the other to ensure safety in the heavily trafficked Black Sea.
However, Russia quickly violated both deals within mere hours and then issued a new list of demands, including lifting European economic sanctions targeting Russian enterprises.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) sharply criticized Trump’s posture, accusing him of chasing a “illusory peace” and cautioning that giving in to Russian pressure “shreds America’s credibility, leaves Ukraine under threat, weakens our alliances and emboldens our enemies.”
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