Trump Slams Putin’s Zelensky Remarks, Threatens Oil Tariffs
-
Loading... - Damaris Abbott
- 31 Mar 2025
- 23 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
United States President Donald Trump has voiced strong discontent regarding recent comments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should be replaced by a transitional government. In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump expressed his frustration, stating that such remarks could jeopardize ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump emphasized that questioning Zelensky’s credibility during a critical negotiation period is counterproductive. He stated, “If I feel we’re in the midst of a negotiation, 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 direction. New leadership means you’re not gonna have a deal for a long time.”
In addition to his criticism of Putin, Trump issued a stern warning regarding potential secondary tariffs on Russian oil if a ceasefire agreement is not reached. He proposed tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on all Russian oil exports, which would be enforced within a month if no agreement is made. Trump stated, “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.”
He further elaborated, “That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”
Trump has also previously criticized Ukrainian leadership, particularly targeting Zelensky, whom he referred to as a “dictator” and questioned his approval ratings in Ukraine. This ongoing scrutiny of Zelensky’s leadership has raised eyebrows and added tension to the already complex geopolitical situation.
As of now, the Kremlin has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments. However, Trump indicated that he plans to speak with Putin later this week, suggesting that discussions may continue regarding the situation in Ukraine and the potential for a ceasefire.
Trump's remarks highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the delicate nature of international negotiations. His threats of oil tariffs signal a potential escalation in economic measures against Russia if diplomatic efforts fail. As the situation develops, the responses from both Moscow and Kyiv will be closely monitored by the international community.
