WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his stance on the war in Ukraine, warning of sweeping economic sanctions on Russian oil exports if Moscow fails to agree to a ceasefire.
In a wide-ranging interview with NBC News, Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly over remarks that undermined the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“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—I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump declared.
The warning marks a significant shift in Trump’s tone toward Putin, raising fresh questions about the U.S. administration’s evolving approach to the conflict.
Previously, European leaders had voiced concerns over Trump’s willingness to accommodate Russian demands, as he had pressured Zelensky for concessions while offering conciliatory gestures toward Putin.
Trump’s latest remarks indicate a departure from that approach, signaling potential economic consequences for Russia if the war drags on.
He suggested that tariffs could reach up to 50% on goods entering the U.S. from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil—a move that could directly impact major buyers like China and India.
NBC News reported that Trump was particularly incensed by Putin’s comments on Zelensky’s leadership, despite having previously criticized the Ukrainian president himself.
“You could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when… Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right location,” Trump said.
Despite his apparent frustration, Trump also reaffirmed his relationship with the Russian leader, stating that “the anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing.”
Zelensky responded to Trump’s comments by urging swift action from Western allies.
“Russia continues looking for excuses to drag this war out even further,” Zelensky posted on social media. “Putin is playing the same game he has since 2014, and this is dangerous for everyone. There should be an appropriate response from the United States, Europe, and all our global partners who seek peace.”
The war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has claimed the lives of over 100,000 Russian soldiers, according to estimates from independent sources including BBC Russian and Mediazona.
Ukraine’s last official casualty update, issued in December 2024, put its own military death toll at 43,000—though Western analysts believe the actual number to be higher.
Trump also made waves during the interview by suggesting he would not rule out seeking a third term in the White House, despite constitutional restrictions limiting U.S. presidents to two terms.
“A lot of people want me to do it,” he said. “But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go.”
Additionally, Trump revived his hardline stance on Iran, threatening military action if Tehran refuses to negotiate a new nuclear agreement.
“It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,” he said, vowing further sanctions alongside the potential strikes.
In response, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while direct talks with Washington were not on the table, indirect negotiations remained possible.
“We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” Pezeshkian said. “They must prove that they can build trust.”
