Trump lashes out at Putin for undermining Zelensky's leadership

On March 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an NBC News interview. His anger stemmed from Putin's recent remarks questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which Trump deemed unhelpful amidst ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Despite being accused in the past of favoring Putin, Trump's shift in tone signals a possible reevaluation of U.S.-Russian relations. Trump's comments came as ceasefire negotiations were ongoing, with U.S. officials engaged in talks between the Ukrainian and Russian parties in Saudi Arabia. The discussions aimed to halt over three years of conflict that has seen significant casualties, including thousands of Ukrainian civilians. Trump's increasing irritation was articulated when he stated he was "very angry, pissed off" due to Putin's suggestion of replacing Zelensky with a temporary UN-mandated administration. In connection with the stalled negotiations, Trump threatened to impose substantial tariffs on Russian oil exports should a ceasefire not be achieved soon, marking an escalation in the U.S. stance towards Russia's handling of the situation. He indicated potential tariffs ranging from 25% to 50%, essentially warning that any country buying oil from Russia would be barred from doing business in the U.S. if Russia continued to obstruct peace efforts. While Trump acknowledged his historically good relationship with Putin, he noted that the anger he felt could subside quickly if Putin made the right moves concerning the ceasefire negotiations. As discussions remain tenuous, both sides face significant challenges in coming to terms, and the potential for escalating economic sanctions indicates a tough road ahead for U.S.-Russia relations.