Trump Expresses Frustration Over Putin’s Stance on Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, warning of potential secondary tariffs on Russian oil if a peace deal is not reached.

In a conversation with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump stated he was “very angry, pissed off” about Putin’s recent remarks questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership. The U.S. president, who has been pushing for an expedited end to the war, emphasized that if Russia is found responsible for prolonging the conflict, harsh economic measures would follow.

Trump warned that if a resolution is not reached, “there will be a 25% to 50% tariff on all Russian oil,” making it difficult for countries purchasing Russian energy to continue business with the U.S. This move comes as Washington’s negotiations with both Moscow and Kyiv have failed to secure a ceasefire, despite pressure from allies.

Putin recently rejected a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal and suggested that Zelensky should be removed as part of any peace settlement. In response, Trump noted that while he maintains “a very good relationship” with Putin, his patience is wearing thin.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have intensified their offensive, capturing a village near Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region—a new strategic push in the ongoing invasion. The northeastern city of Kharkiv has also faced fresh missile strikes, resulting in casualties and damage to a military hospital.