U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong frustration with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over recent comments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership. During an early morning phone call with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump reportedly conveyed his anger, marking a stark shift in his usual diplomatic tone toward Putin.
Trump, who has often taken a pragmatic approach to U.S.-Russia relations, did not hold back in his conversation with Welker.
According to her report on Meet the Press, the president was particularly incensed by Putin’s suggestion that Ukraine should consider new leadership as part of the peace process. While Trump himself has previously questioned Zelensky’s future, he took issue with Putin’s public remarks on the matter.
“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… I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump warned, signaling a potential economic retaliation if Moscow fails to cooperate in ending the war.
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Since taking office, Trump has been vocal about his desire to broker a swift resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has now entered its fourth year.
However, despite negotiations with both sides, a breakthrough remains elusive. A recent U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire was rejected by Moscow, further complicating the prospects for peace.
On Friday, Putin escalated tensions by suggesting that Zelensky should be removed from office as part of a broader settlement—an idea that Kyiv and Washington swiftly condemned. Trump’s reaction, however, was notable not just for its intensity but for the underlying diplomatic message it sent.
Despite his frustration, Trump maintained that he still has “a very good relationship” with Putin, adding that “the anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing.” This statement underscores Trump’s characteristic approach to diplomacy—leveraging personal rapport while keeping the threat of economic pressure on the table.
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