In a recent NBC News interview, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced intense frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a dramatic shift in their diplomatic dynamic. Trump admitted he’s “very angry” and “pissed off” with Putin, particularly over the Russian leader’s attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s credibility. This comes after weeks of tense negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Trump didn’t hold back, warning that if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire, he’s prepared to hit back hard. “If Russia and I can’t strike a deal to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine—and if I believe Russia’s to blame, which isn’t guaranteed—I’ll impose secondary tariffs on all oil flowing out of Russia,” he declared. These tariffs could reach up to 50% on goods entering the U.S. from nations still purchasing Russian oil, with China and India topping the list of buyers.
This marks a sharp departure from Trump’s earlier approach. For weeks, he’s been pressuring Zelensky with Oval Office demands for concessions while showering Putin with praise and yielding to Moscow’s terms. Now, his tone has toughened, putting Russia on notice with the first serious U.S. threat of economic consequences amid stalled ceasefire talks. The White House has yet to comment officially on the president’s statements.
European leaders, who had grown wary of Trump’s apparent coziness with Putin, may see this as a pivot. The interview revealed Trump’s irritation boiling over when Putin questioned Zelensky’s leadership—ironic, given Trump’s own past criticisms labeling Zelensky a dictator and pushing for elections in Ukraine. “I got very angry, pissed off, when Putin started attacking Zelensky’s credibility. That’s not heading in the right direction,” Trump said. He added, “New leadership means no deal for a long time.”
Despite the tension, Trump emphasized his “very good relationship” with Putin, suggesting his anger could fade “quickly” if Russia makes the right move. However, he doubled down on his threat: without a ceasefire within a month, Russia faces a 25% tariff on oil and other exports to the U.S., plus those steep secondary sanctions.
Zelensky took to social media after the interview, accusing Russia of stalling. “Putin’s playing the same game since 2014,” he wrote, referencing the annexation of Crimea. “This threatens everyone, and the U.S., Europe, and all peace-seeking global partners must respond decisively.”
The Ukraine war, sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion, drags into its fourth year. Russia now holds roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Casualty counts are staggering—over 100,000 Russian troops have died, per BBC Russian and Mediazona estimates, while Zelensky reported 43,000 Ukrainian military deaths by December 2024, a figure Western experts call conservative.
In the same NBC interview, Trump stirred controversy by hinting at a third term, despite constitutional limits. “A lot of people want me to do it,” he claimed, brushing off the legal barrier with, “We have a long way to go.” He also revisited his hardline stance on Iran, threatening unprecedented bombings and tariffs if Tehran rejects nuclear talks. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian responded Sunday, ruling out direct negotiations but leaving the door open for indirect discussions if trust can be established.
With Trump set to speak with Putin later this week, the world watches as his fiery rhetoric reshapes U.S.-Russia relations and the Ukraine peace process.
