US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent comments calling for the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in favor of a transitional government. In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump expressed frustration over Putin’s statements, warning that they could undermine ongoing ceasefire talks between the two nations.
Trump remarked, “If I feel we’re in the midst of a negotiation, you could say I was very angry when Putin started questioning Zelensky’s credibility. That’s not going in the right direction. New leadership means you’re not going to have a deal for a long time.”
Additionally, Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if a ceasefire agreement was not reached soon. He warned that tariffs of 25% to 50% on all Russian oil exports would be imposed within a month if no progress was made.
“If Russia and I can’t reach a deal on ending the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I believe Russia is at fault — which it might not be — but if I think it’s their fault, I will impose secondary tariffs on oil, on all Russian oil,” Trump stated. “That means if you buy oil from Russia, you won’t be able to do business in the United States. A 25% tariff will apply to all oil, possibly ranging up to 50%.”
Trump also previously criticized Ukrainian leadership, particularly Zelensky, referring to him as a “dictator” and questioning his popularity in Ukraine. As of now, Moscow has not responded to Trump’s comments, but he noted he would be speaking with Putin later this week.
