Why Trump Is Very Angry With Putin Over Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has said he is “very angry” with Russian leader Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a shift from his usual stance, Trump warned that he might impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow does not take steps to end the conflict.

Speaking to NBC’s Kristen Welker on Sunday, Trump expressed his frustration after Putin questioned the future of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership. Trump has himself criticised Zelensky in the past but made it clear that he did not support Russia’s interference in Ukraine’s leadership.

“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 said.

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He emphasised that he had a good relationship with Putin but warned that his anger would only subside if Russia took the right steps towards peace.

Trump’s Shift in Approach to Russia

Trump has previously been seen as favouring better ties with Russia, but his latest comments suggest growing frustration with Moscow’s actions. Since returning to office, he has sought to end the three-year conflict but has not yet succeeded in brokering a peace deal.

Putin recently rejected a US-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and suggested that Zelensky should be replaced as part of a peace process. This suggestion appears to have further angered Trump, who said Putin should not be making decisions about Ukraine’s leadership.

Russia Gains Ground Despite US Efforts

While the US has been pushing for a resolution, Russia has continued to make gains on the battlefield. Ukrainian officials reported fresh Russian attacks in the northeastern city of Kharkiv over the weekend. The strikes targeted a military hospital and a residential building, killing at least two people.

Meanwhile, Russian forces have captured a village near Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, marking a new phase in their advance. Moscow has been steadily pushing towards this area, seeking a breakthrough after months of stalled progress.

Ukraine has accused Russia of prolonging negotiations while intensifying its military campaign. President Zelensky has urged stronger pressure on Russia, calling for tougher sanctions from allies.

Ceasefire Talks at a Standstill

The possibility of a ceasefire remains uncertain. Putin has often questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy as president, arguing that his term ended in May 2024. However, under Ukrainian law, elections cannot take place during wartime.

Zelensky’s political opponents agree that no election should be held until the war ends. Meanwhile, Moscow and Kyiv had discussed a potential truce in the Black Sea region, but Russia insists that sanctions must be lifted before any agreement is finalised.

Trump’s Tariff Threat Against Russia

As part of his response, Trump has threatened economic measures against Russia. He told NBC that secondary tariffs on Russian oil could have significant consequences. “If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25 to 50 point tariff on all oil,” he warned.

The US president’s latest remarks indicate a tougher stance on Russia, though it remains unclear how these threats will impact ongoing negotiations. For now, the war in Ukraine continues, with no clear resolution in sight. Whether Trump’s approach will change the course of the conflict remains to be seen.