31.03.2025 17:40
U.S. President Donald Trump, who told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is "very angry and upset," issued a clear threat. Trump announced that if the Russian leader does not accept a ceasefire with Ukraine, he will impose a 50% tariff on countries that buy oil from Russia.
While the United States continues its diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is "very angry and upset" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump warned that if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, he will impose a 50% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil. The U.S. President also cautioned Kiev not to abandon the rare minerals agreement.
IF PUTIN DOES NOT ACCEPT THE CEASEFIRE, TAXES ON RUSSIAN OIL WILL INCREASE
In an interview with NBC News based in the U.S., President Donald Trump addressed the ceasefire efforts regarding Ukraine, stating that he is "very angry" and "upset" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Criticizing Putin for his approach towards the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump warned that he would impose a 50% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire.
TRUMP: "MY ANGER WILL FADE QUICKLY IF PUTIN DOES THE RIGHT THING"
The U.S. President said, "I was very angry and upset when Putin started attacking Zelensky's credibility because this is not going in the right direction. New leadership means you won't be able to make a deal for a long time. If we cannot make a deal to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine with Russia, and I think it is Russia's fault – which may not be the case – then I will impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming from Russia," he stated. Trump mentioned that he has a "very good relationship" with Putin and that his anger would fade quickly if Putin does the right thing.
PRESSURE ON ZELENSKY FOR ELECTIONS IS INCREASING
Last week, Putin, who frequently criticizes the legitimacy of the Ukrainian leader who refuses to hold elections despite the ongoing war in his country, brought up the possibility of new elections in Ukraine to start peace talks and the establishment of a government led by the UN. Trump himself had previously referred to the Ukrainian leader as a dictator and demanded that he hold elections.
"ZELENSKY SHOULD NOT WITHDRAW FROM THE RARE MINERALS AGREEMENT"
In another statement to reporters, Trump accused Zelensky of trying to "withdraw" from the agreement to share rare minerals between the U.S. and Ukraine, stating that there would be "very big problems" for Zelensky in such a case. Trump noted that Zelensky wants to change the agreement for better security guarantees. The U.S. President also added that he would speak with Putin within this week.
Trump had demanded that Ukraine hand over its mineral wealth to U.S. control in order to repay the hundreds of billions of dollars in aid provided by the U.S. While the agreement was set to be signed in early March, it could not be finalized after Zelensky explicitly discussed it with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in a meeting in the Oval Office.