Trumps Fury at Putin Revealed During Call About Ukraine Conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his deep frustration and anger toward Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call with NBC’s Kristen Welker, according to the network’s report on Sunday. This marks a significant shift in his rhetoric as the U.S. aims to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

In her segment «Meet The Press,» Welker relayed Trump’s outrage over Putin’s remarks questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s future and credibility—comments that Trump has also made.

During the early-morning conversation, Trump stated, «If I can’t reach an agreement with Russia to put an end to the violence in Ukraine, and if I believe that Russia is to blame… I will impose secondary tariffs on all oil exports from Russia.»

He emphasized to Welker that he was «very angry, pissed off» about Putin’s latest comments regarding Zelensky and his discussions about potential new leadership in Ukraine.

Since assuming office, Trump has been advocating for a swift resolution to the lengthy conflict that has persisted for over three years, but his administration has not yet achieved a significant breakthrough despite efforts to engage both parties in dialogue.

Putin dismissed a collaborative proposal from the U.S. and Ukraine for a month-long ceasefire and suggested on Friday that Zelensky should be ousted as part of the peace negotiations.

Trump conveyed to NBC that while Putin is aware of his displeasure, he maintains “a very good relationship” with him, adding that “the anger dissipates quickly… if he takes the right steps.”

Recent improved relations between Washington and Moscow since Trump’s return to office, along with his threats to reduce support for Kyiv, have emboldened Russia in its ongoing military campaign, which has faced numerous challenges.

Ukraine has accused Russia of stalling negotiations with no real intention of ceasing its offensive, as new assaults were reported on the northeastern city of Kharkiv, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities over the weekend.

Ukrainian officials reported that six strikes occurred overnight, injuring personnel at a military hospital and causing the deaths of at least two civilians in a nearby residential area.

According to Moscow, Russian troops also took over a village just seven kilometers from the border of Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region in their latest military action.

Although the Kremlin’s forces have not penetrated the regional boundary since their operations commenced in 2022, they have been inching closer for several months, seeking an opportunity to break through.

Putin, who has been in power for 25 years with a history of unchallenged elections, has frequently questioned the «legitimacy» of Zelensky, especially with the latter’s first five-year term ending in May 2024.

Ukrainian law prohibits elections during significant military conflicts, and Zelensky’s political rivals have stated that no elections should occur until the war concludes.

Trump has had a tumultuous relationship with Zelensky as well, labeling him a «dictator» and having a public disagreement with him during a White House event last month.

In his evening speech on Saturday, Zelensky urged international allies to bolster support against Putin.

«For far too long, America’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has remained unaddressed by Russia,» he stated. «A ceasefire could have already been achieved if there were real pressure on Russia.» He expressed gratitude to those nations that “understand this” and have increased sanctions against the Kremlin.

While both Moscow and Kyiv agreed to the notion of a Black Sea truce after conversations with U.S. officials earlier in the week, Russia clarified that the agreement would only take effect if Ukraine’s allies lifted specific sanctions.

Regarding the potential for secondary tariffs, Trump explained to NBC that it would mean, “if you purchase oil from Russia, you cannot conduct business in the United States.”

He detailed, “There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, with a potential 25 to 50 point tariff on all oil,” although he did not provide further information.