Former President Donald Trump has fired back at Russian President Vladimir Putin after his controversial comments regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, and it’s clear Trump is far from happy. While Trump’s previous relationship with Putin raised eyebrows, especially after calling him a “great leader,” his recent response suggests the situation may be taking a different turn.
Trump’s ongoing efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine have hit another major roadblock, following Putin’s remarks about implementing a transitional government in Ukraine — which would push current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy out of office.
For months, Donald Trump has championed his goal of ending the Ukraine-Russia war. He’s consistently said that he could bring peace to the region within 24 hours. But now, 70 days into his efforts, Trump is facing fresh challenges as Russia escalates the situation.
In a candid NBC interview, Trump didn’t hold back, expressing his anger over Putin’s recent suggestion to install a new transitional government in Ukraine, a move that would effectively sideline Zelenskyy. Trump described himself as being “p****d off” by Putin’s actions, signaling a shift in his previously cordial stance toward the Russian leader.
Putin’s push for a transitional government in Ukraine is controversial, particularly because Ukraine’s constitution prohibits the holding of elections during wartime. With Zelenskyy steadfast in his position, the idea of forcing him out of office seems increasingly unlikely to gain traction.
In the interview, Trump emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and Zelenskyy’s role in leading the nation through this crisis. Trump stated:
“If I feel we’re in the midst of a negotiation, you could say that I was very angry, p****d off, when Putin said yesterday that — you know, when Putin started getting into Zelenskyy’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right direction.”
This comment reflects the growing tensions between Trump and Putin, especially when it comes to the future of Ukraine’s leadership.
Trump’s response didn’t stop at frustration. He also warned that Russia would face serious consequences if peace talks fail to progress. Trump threatened to impose severe tariffs on Russian oil exports, which could have significant economic repercussions.
He said:
“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.”
According to Trump, if Russia refuses to cooperate, secondary tariffs of up to 25% on all Russian oil exports could be enacted, effectively barring Russian oil from entering the U.S. market. This move could further increase global tensions while also hurting Russia’s economy.
Trump’s bold statements come at a critical moment in the Ukraine conflict, where peace talks seem stalled, and the possibility of a ceasefire remains out of reach. Russia’s conditions for peace appear unlikely to be met by Ukraine, but Trump’s strong stance could push the global community to reconsider their positions.
Despite the controversies surrounding Trump’s relationship with Putin, his intervention in this high-stakes situation shows he’s determined to continue shaping the future of U.S. foreign policy and the global response to the war.
What do you think about Trump’s involvement in ending the war in Ukraine? Share your thoughts in the comments below.