President Trump threatens Putin with oil tariffs as Ukraine peace talks hit a snag over criticism of President Zelensky.
Key Insights
- Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with Putin’s criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky during peace negotiations.
- The former president warned he may impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if peace talks fail due to Russian obstruction.
- Despite tensions, Trump expressed confidence in Putin keeping his word, citing their long-standing relationship.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that peace negotiations are ongoing but are a “time-consuming process.”
Trump’s Stern Warning to Putin
In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump has expressed anger toward Russian President Vladimir Putin during ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations. The tension emerged after Putin publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership capabilities, a move Trump described as “not going in the right location.” This criticism appears to have threatened progress in the delicate peace talks aimed at ending the prolonged conflict in Ukraine that has destabilized Eastern Europe and strained international relations for years.
Trump didn’t mince words about potential consequences if Russia derails the peace process. “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,” Trump declared, signaling a readiness to use economic pressure as leverage in the negotiations that have proven challenging to navigate between the two nations with historically complex relations.
Confidence Despite Tensions
Despite the current frustration with Putin, Trump maintained a certain level of confidence in the Russian leader’s reliability. Drawing on their previous interactions, Trump stated, “I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word. You’re talking about Putin. I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word. I’ve known him for a long time. We’ve always gotten along well.” This statement reveals the complex personal dynamic between the two leaders that has often factored into U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations during Trump’s administration.
“I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word. You’re talking about Putin. I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word. I’ve known him for a long time. We’ve always gotten along well.” – Donald Trump
The diplomatic tensions emerge amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a lasting peace agreement for Ukraine. Trump’s frustration indicates the delicate balance required in these negotiations, where public statements can significantly impact progress. The situation highlights the high-stakes nature of the talks, with energy policy now explicitly connected to the peace process outcomes, adding another layer of complexity to already intricate international negotiations between major world powers.
Russia’s Response
In response to Trump’s comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov offered measured remarks that acknowledged ongoing diplomatic efforts without directly addressing the president’s frustration or tariff threat. “We are continuing to work with the American side, first of all to build our bilateral relations, which were badly damaged during the previous administration,” Peskov stated, emphasizing Russia’s desire to repair diplomatic channels that deteriorated significantly in recent years due to numerous points of contention between Moscow and Washington.
“We are continuing to work with the American side, first of all to build our bilateral relations, which were badly damaged during the previous (U.S.) administration.” – Dmitry Peskov
Peskov described the Ukraine peace negotiations as a “time-consuming process,” suggesting Russia views the talks as progressing on their own timeline rather than according to any external pressure. While acknowledging efforts toward an “Ukrainian settlement,” the Kremlin spokesperson offered no specific details about potential breakthrough points or concessions being discussed. This carefully crafted diplomatic language maintains Russia’s position while neither escalating nor directly responding to Trump’s more forceful statements about potential economic consequences.
Sources:
- Trump ‘pissed off’ at Putin amid negotiations; Russia responds
- Trump ‘very angry’ at Putin’s remarks on Zelensky
