Amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine, Donald Trump has expressed deep frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's approach to ceasefire negotiations, indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Russia.
Trump Warns Putin: Ceasefire Talks Frustrate US President
Trump Warns Putin: Ceasefire Talks Frustrate US President
In a recent interview, Donald Trump expressed his frustration with Vladimir Putin over stalled ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, threatening significant tariffs if no agreement is reached.
Donald Trump’s latest remarks have revealed his anger towards Russian President Vladimir Putin following weeks of difficult negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine. In a recent NBC News interview, Trump did not hold back, stating he was “very angry” and “pissed off” particularly about Putin’s public denigration of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s credibility. This change in tone represents a notable departure from Trump’s previous conciliatory stance towards the Kremlin.
Trump warned that if the deadlock continues and he believes it is due to Russia’s inaction, he would impose a secondary tariff of up to 50% on any nations purchasing Russian oil. “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal… I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” he stated.
Responding to concerns from European leaders about his rapport with Putin amid the negotiations, Trump emphasized that this was the first time a concrete threat has been made to hold Russia accountable for slowing down the process. For weeks, Trump reportedly pressured Zelensky for additional concessions, while largely adhering to Putin's demands. However, this latest discussion shifts the focus back to Moscow, compelling them to reconsider their tactics.
In a telling commentary, Trump reflected on his feelings regarding Putin’s criticism of Zelensky, rejecting the notion of undermining leadership in Ukraine: “New leadership means you're not gonna have a deal for a long time,” he noted. While acknowledging a strong relationship with Putin, he cautioned that it could sour quickly without reciprocal action.
He further articulated that should Putin continue to stall on a ceasefire, the U.S. would implement a 25% tariff on Russian oil and related products within a month. This bold move would target not only Russia but also the larger economies of nations like China and India, which are significant buyers of Russian oil. Trump confirmed he plans to communicate with Putin later this week to push for resolution.
