U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning of new economic measures if the war in Ukraine continues.
In a call to NBC journalist Kristen Welker, Trump expressed frustration over Putin’s remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking on Meet The Press, Welker quoted Trump as saying:
“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 admitted he was “very angry, pissed off” over the situation but also emphasized that his relationship with Putin could improve if the Russian leader took the right steps.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the war rages on. Russia rejected a U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, while its forces intensified attacks on Kharkiv and made gains near the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Zelensky, in a Saturday address, urged stronger sanctions on Moscow, stating:
“There could already be a ceasefire if there was real pressure on Russia.”
Trump warned that countries purchasing Russian oil could face consequences in the U.S. market:
“If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States.”
As tensions escalate, the impact of Trump’s economic threats remains uncertain
