Trump Blasts Putin Over Zelensky Comments, Threatens Harsh Sanctions
Donald Trump lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin during an early morning phone call on Sunday, expressing frustration over Putin’s remarks questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy.
The former U.S. president, who has previously criticized Zelensky and voiced frustration over handling the war, now appears to be taking a firm stance in defense of Ukraine. Speaking with NBC host Kristen Welker, Trump warned that Russia could face severe economic sanctions if peace negotiations collapse.
Trump’s Warning: Major Tariffs & Sanctions
Trump announced plans for a new round of economic pressure on Russia, including tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on Russian oil. He also warned that any country buying Russian oil would be barred from doing business in the United States.
These measures are set to be unveiled on Wednesday as part of what Trump calls “Liberation Day,” an initiative aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on foreign economies and bringing manufacturing back home.
Peace Talks on the Brink of Collapse
The U.S. has been leading peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but talks may have hit a breaking point. Trump expressed anger over Putin’s recent comments undermining Zelensky, warning that such rhetoric could derail any hope for a deal.
“If we’re in the midst of a negotiation, I was very angry—pissed off—when Putin started questioning Zelensky’s credibility. That’s not going in the right direction,” Trump said on Meet the Press.
He added, “Putin started talking about new leadership in Ukraine, but that means we won’t have a deal for a long time. Right?”
Putin Demands Zelensky Resign
Putin, 72, escalated tensions on Friday during a visit to Murmansk, Russia, by demanding Zelensky step down to accelerate a peace deal. He claimed Russia holds the “strategic initiative” in the war and vowed to “finish off” Ukraine in a renewed offensive.
While launching a new nuclear-powered submarine, Putin suggested that the United Nations should take control of Kyiv to install what he called “competent” leadership willing to negotiate peace. He argued that Zelensky has lost legitimacy because he has remained in power beyond his elected term, though Ukrainian law prohibits elections during martial law.
Trump: ‘Putin Knows I’m Angry’
Despite their historically cordial relationship, Trump made it clear that he was furious over Putin’s latest moves.
“Putin knows I’m angry, but we still have a good relationship,” Trump told NBC. He confirmed plans to speak with the Russian leader again this week.
If peace talks fail and Trump determines Russia is at fault, he vowed to impose secondary sanctions, preventing any nation that buys Russian oil from selling any products—not just oil—to the U.S.
Tense Oval Office Meeting With Zelensky
Zelensky recently met with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office, where tensions were high. In a moment caught on camera, Trump and Vance pressed Zelensky to publicly acknowledge the billions in U.S. military aid and leadership in peace talks.
Russia Advances, ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ Fears Grow
Meanwhile, Russia continues its assault on Ukraine. On Saturday, March 29, Russian troops captured two villages—Shchebraki in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and Panteleimonivka in the eastern Donetsk region.
In a chilling move, Putin is now reportedly resettling hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens into occupied Ukrainian territories, particularly in Zaporizhzhia—a strategy critics liken to “ethnic cleansing.” The Russian government is allegedly offering higher salaries and abandoned Ukrainian homes to incentivize relocation.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on Trump, Putin, and the fate of the fragile peace talks.
