Faith Nyasuguta
Donald Trump has expressed strong frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is “very angry” and “pissed off” after weeks of failed ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. Speaking in an NBC News interview, the U.S. president threatened severe economic measures, including a 50% secondary tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil, if Putin does not agree to halt hostilities.
“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, I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump warned.
His remarks mark a significant shift in tone, as Trump had previously been perceived as accommodating toward Putin during negotiations. European leaders had grown increasingly concerned about Trump’s approach, fearing that he was making excessive demands on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while giving Putin too much leverage. However, Trump’s latest comments appear to be a departure from that dynamic, signaling a more aggressive stance toward Russia.
U.S.-Russia Relations Turning Point?
Trump’s anger reportedly peaked when Putin publicly questioned Zelensky’s credibility as a leader. The U.S. president, who has himself criticized Zelensky and pressured him to hold elections, did not take kindly to Putin’s remarks.
“You could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right location,” Trump said. “New leadership means you’re not gonna have a deal for a long time.”
Despite his frustration, Trump maintained that he still had a good relationship with Putin. “The Kremlin knows I’m angry, but the anger dissipates quickly, if he does the right thing,” he said, implying that a ceasefire agreement could ease tensions.
The White House has yet to comment on Trump’s remarks, but they have already sent ripples through diplomatic circles. By threatening secondary tariffs, Trump is directly challenging Russia’s economic stability. Secondary tariffs would not only affect Russian exports but also target countries that continue to buy Russian oil, including China and India, two of Moscow’s largest energy partners.
“There will be a 25% tariff on oil and other products sold in the United States, secondary tariffs,” Trump stated. “If there’s no ceasefire deal within a month, these tariffs could go up to 50%.”
Zelensky responded to Trump’s interview with a strong message on social media. “Russia continues looking for excuses to drag this war out even further,” he wrote. He accused Putin of using the same tactics he had deployed in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. “This is dangerous for everyone, and there should be an appropriate response from the United States, Europe, and all our global partners who seek peace.”
Trump confirmed that he planned to speak with Putin again later in the week. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues to rage on, with Russia currently occupying around 20% of Ukrainian territory. The conflict, which began in February 2022, has now entered its fourth year, with no clear end in sight.
According to data analyzed by independent media group Mediazona and volunteers tracking battlefield deaths, over 100,000 Russian troops have been killed so far. Ukraine last reported its military casualties in December 2024, when Zelensky acknowledged 43,000 Ukrainian deaths, a figure Western analysts believe may be an underestimate.
Trump Hints at Third Term, Threatens Iran
During the same interview, Trump stirred controversy by suggesting he was open to seeking a third term in office, despite the U.S. Constitution limiting presidents to two terms.
“A lot of people want me to do it,” Trump said. “But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go.”
The comment has already ignited debate within political circles, with legal experts quickly pointing out that a third term would require a constitutional amendment. Trump, however, has made similar remarks in the past, often framing them as jokes, though his supporters have occasionally pushed the idea seriously.
Beyond the tensions with Russia, Trump also issued a fresh warning to Iran over its nuclear program. Earlier this month, he sent a letter to the Iranian government demanding negotiations. Now, he is raising the stakes, threatening military action if Tehran does not comply.
“It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,” Trump warned, adding that he would also impose secondary tariffs on Iranian-linked trade.
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, responded by rejecting direct talks with Washington but left the door open for indirect negotiations. “We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” Pezeshkian said. “They must prove that they can build trust.”
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