A New Tone in Trump-Putin Relations
In a dramatic shift from his earlier stance, President Donald Trump has publicly expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine, signalling the potential for a new, more confrontational phase in U.S.-Russia diplomacy. Speaking in a phone interview with NBC News, Trump stated he was “very angry” and “pissed off” with Putin, particularly over recent remarks that challenged the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump’s frustration comes after weeks of delicate and at times controversial negotiations aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine. While he previously faced criticism for appearing overly accommodating to Moscow and pressuring Kyiv into concessions, his latest remarks suggest a tougher posture moving forward.
Tariff Threats: Economic Pressure as a Diplomatic Weapon
The most significant development from the interview was Trump’s warning of steep economic consequences if Russia continues to delay a ceasefire agreement. He proposed imposing a 25% tariff on Russian oil and goods entering the United States, escalating to secondary tariffs of up to 50% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil. This would directly impact nations such as China and India, the largest consumers of Russian energy exports.
“If Russia and I can’t make a deal, and if I think it’s Russia’s fault – which it might not be – then there will be consequences,” Trump told NBC. “A 25% tariff on oil and other products sold in the U.S., and 50% on countries still buying from Russia.”
This marks a significant escalation in Trump’s use of tariffs as a tool for foreign policy, recalling his aggressive trade strategies during his first term but now directed squarely at one of the world’s most geopolitically sensitive conflicts.
A Sudden Pivot on Zelensky
The interview also revealed a rare moment of defence for President Zelensky. Trump, who has previously described the Ukrainian leader as authoritarian and demanded he hold new elections, took offense at Putin’s remarks questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy.
“You could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility,” Trump said. “That’s not the right direction.”
While the comment does not erase Trump’s earlier criticisms of Zelensky, it signals that he may now view maintaining Ukraine’s leadership as vital to achieving a negotiated end to the conflict. Trump warned that new Ukrainian leadership could derail peace talks indefinitely: “New leadership means you’re not going to have a deal for a long time.”
Mixed Signals from the Oval Office
The sudden pivot from flattery to fury has left analysts and allies trying to decode the new U.S. approach. For weeks, European leaders had expressed concern that Trump’s negotiations were tilted in Moscow’s favor. Many feared he was seeking to pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions, particularly after reports that Trump had echoed some of Russia’s demands in private Oval Office meetings.
Now, Trump’s tariff threats and visible displeasure with Putin seem to put the burden back on Russia to act.
Zelensky and Global Reaction
President Zelensky, reacting to Trump’s remarks, reiterated his long-held stance that Russia is using delay tactics to prolong the conflict. “Putin is playing the same game he has since 2014,” Zelensky wrote, referencing the annexation of Crimea. He called on the international community—including the United States and Europe—to respond decisively.
European leaders have not yet publicly responded to Trump’s tariff threat, but such a move would certainly ripple through global markets and raise questions about the broader implications of using economic warfare as a lever in peace negotiations.
What’s Next: A High-Stakes Call with Putin
Trump concluded the interview by stating he would speak with Putin later this week, leaving open the possibility of yet another shift in tone. The White House has yet to release a formal statement clarifying the administration’s next steps.
As the situation unfolds, the world is watching to see whether Trump’s aggressive rhetoric translates into tangible diplomatic progress—or whether it deepens the divide between the U.S. and Russia.
