U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over stalled peace negotiations in Ukraine, threatening stiff tariffs on Russian oil should Moscow continue to delay a cease-fire agreement.
Speaking in a phone interview with NBC News on Sunday, March 30, Trump stated he was “very angry” and “pissed off” at Putin for imposing additional conditions on a U.S.-backed deal aimed at limiting attacks in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure.
“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—which it might not be—but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.
“That would mean if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”
Trump, who has previously praised Putin as a “genius” and suggested Ukraine bore some responsibility for the 2022 Russian invasion, appeared to take a firmer stance following reports that the Kremlin proposed a transitional government in Ukraine that would remove President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to AFP, Putin also suggested that Ukraine’s military leadership should take action to remove Zelensky themselves.
Despite his historically favorable remarks about Putin, Trump pivoted on Sunday, condemning Moscow’s alleged efforts to undermine Zelensky. “That is not going in the right location,” he remarked.
The Trump administration has been actively pursuing an end to the war, in line with the president’s campaign pledge to broker peace.
Last week, the U.S. secured two cease-fire agreements to prevent attacks on energy facilities and the Black Sea trade route.
However, Russia reportedly violated both agreements within hours, subsequently demanding additional conditions, including calls for European nations to lift certain economic sanctions on Russian businesses.
Despite his frustration, Trump emphasized that he still maintains a “very good relationship” with Putin and suggested that his anger would subside if the Russian leader “does the right thing.” The two leaders are expected to speak again this week to advance cease-fire discussions.