President Donald Trump expressed his frustration and anger over the lack of progress in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, explicitly targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump voiced his displeasure with Putin’s recent conditions for a ceasefire and warned that if progress weren’t made soon, he would impose severe tariffs on Russian oil.
Trump made it clear that he was “angry” and “pissed off” after the Russian president demanded additional concessions before agreeing to limit attacks in the Black Sea and near critical energy infrastructure.
The American leader’s remarks came as Moscow indicated it would not comply with a US-backed deal to cease hostilities unless it could first impose new conditions, including the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a provocative report by AFP, Putin was quoted as calling for the creation of a transitional government in Ukraine, one that would see Zelensky replaced by a government sympathetic to Moscow’s interests.
Putin also reportedly suggested that Ukraine’s military leaders should oust Zelensky if they wished to reach a peaceful resolution.
These demands indicate Russia’s hardening stance and growing reluctance to negotiate on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Trump, who has previously maintained a cordial relationship with Putin, seemed particularly upset by these comments.
He made it clear that his patience was running out, saying, “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 further elaborated that his administration would impose a “25% tariff on all oil,” stressing that these tariffs could escalate to as much as 50% if Putin continued to delay peace efforts.
Trump’s proposed tariffs on Russian oil are a diplomatic threat and a significant economic move. The United States has long been concerned about its energy dependence on foreign nations, particularly Russia, one of the world’s largest oil producers.
A 25-50% tariff would have far-reaching effects not only on global oil prices but also on the energy market, particularly for American consumers. While Trump emphasized the severity of his proposed tariffs, it’s unclear how such a drastic measure would align with the broader goals of the US government, which has historically sought to balance economic interests with diplomatic strategies.
The former president’s threat also highlights the tension between global economic policies and humanitarian concerns.
Trump’s push for a ceasefire and his willingness to take action against Russia’s oil exports signal his desire to end the war. Still, the reality of economic sanctions and tariffs could complicate this effort.
While Trump’s comments are notable for their harsh tone, they mark a departure from his stance toward Putin. Earlier this year, Trump echoed Moscow’s claims about Zelensky’s legitimacy, stating that Ukraine’s president was part of the problem in the ongoing conflict.
However, following Putin’s recent comments about a transitional government and Ukraine’s sovereignty, Trump quickly pivoted. He condemned Putin’s rhetoric as “not going in the right direction,” signaling his concern that Putin’s demands were escalating the conflict instead of easing it.
This shift in Trump’s rhetoric could reflect growing pressure both domestically and internationally for the United States to take a firmer stance on Russia. While the former president remains adamant about maintaining an “excellent relationship” with Putin, he made it clear that such a relationship is contingent on Russia’s willingness to act in good faith to halt the bloodshed in Ukraine.
Understanding the broader context of Trump’s comments is essential to grasping the US administration’s ongoing efforts to broker peace in the region.
Just last week, the Trump administration successfully secured two ceasefire agreements intended to halt attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine and de-escalate tensions in the Black Sea. However, Moscow violated both agreements within hours, further escalating the situation.
The Russian government has also demanded that Europe lift economic sanctions against Russian businesses as a condition for honoring any ceasefire agreement. This demand has been met with skepticism from both the US and European allies, who are wary of granting any concessions that could empower Putin or undermine international unity against Russian aggression.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been a vocal critic of Trump’s approach to Russia, accusing the former president of seeking an “illusory peace” with Putin. McConnell warned that yielding to Moscow’s demands would only serve to “shred America’s credibility” on the global stage, leaving Ukraine vulnerable and weakening the Western alliance.
The senator’s remarks highlight the growing divide within the Republican Party on how to handle relations with Russia, with some favoring a stricter stance while others, like Trump, advocate for diplomacy.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether the US will impose the threatened tariffs on Russian oil and what impact this will have on the conflict in Ukraine.
For now, the diplomatic dance between Trump and Putin is expected to continue, with the fate of the ceasefire — and the future of Ukraine — hanging in the balance.
