President Donald Trump is calling out Russian President Vladimir Putin over what he views as a deliberate attempt to stall progress in ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Trump, who has been pushing hard for a peaceful resolution, warned that Putin’s remarks questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could severely damage the talks.
In a recent interview, Trump said he was “pissed off” over the direction things were heading. He specifically pointed to Putin’s suggestion that Ukraine should be governed by a transitional leadership before any agreement is signed. Trump believes that line of thinking could delay peace indefinitely.
Trump walks back "pissed off at Putin" statement he allegedly made to NBC News.
"Disappointed, in a certain way" that Putin considers Zelensky "not credible." Zelensky was called a dictator, multiple times, by Trump. pic.twitter.com/fmQFaYn0yB— Alex Christoforou (@AXChristoforou) March 31, 2025
Trump said that if he determines Russia is to blame for blocking a deal, he will respond by placing tariffs of 25% to 50% on Russian oil. He also indicated that any country doing business with Russia could lose access to U.S. markets if it continues to purchase Russian oil.
The current peace framework, which includes a Black Sea ceasefire agreement, was brokered with help from U.S. officials. But both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating the terms of that deal, and recent statements from Moscow have raised more questions about Russia’s true intentions.
Trump says he’s “very angry” and “pissed off” over Putin’s remarks criticizing Zelensky’s credibility.
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Putin claimed Ukraine lacks the leadership needed to finalize a legitimate peace accord. He said a new government would help organize a democratic election and begin fresh talks. Trump strongly disagreed with the timing and message of that proposal.
Although Trump has previously called Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” his recent frustration has centered on Putin’s role in dragging out the process. He said he plans to speak with Putin again soon and stressed that his relationship with the Russian leader remains strong.
Meanwhile, Russian military operations have continued across Ukraine. Over the weekend, drone and missile strikes killed multiple civilians in Kharkiv, Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih, according to local officials.
Putin praised his troops’ battlefield momentum last week, saying they were taking control of more territory each day.
