Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump has thrown a grenade into the already stormy waters of international diplomacy, especially when it comes to Russian strongman Vladimir Putin. According to reports, Trump expressed his frustration with Putin’s recent remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Apparently, questioning Zelensky’s leadership hit a nerve—after all, one can only poke a bear so many times before the bear decides to swat back. Trump, in his typical fashion, made it known just how “angry” he is, a sentiment that seems to resonate well with America’s conservative base.
During a chat with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump laid out his frustration regarding Putin’s dismissal of Zelensky’s credibility. While these leaders may not seem all that different in their approach to leadership and dialogue, it’s evident that Trump is trying to position himself as the tough negotiator who won’t take any nonsense from the Kremlin. He pointedly stated that if a deal to end the Ukraine conflict isn’t reached and if Russia continues its aggression, he would consider imposing heavy tariffs on Russian oil. That’s right, folks—secondary tariffs, which could send shockwaves through the Kremlin as they find their economic footing shaken.
These sudden fervent emotions from Trump might seem like a pivot from his usual rhetoric, but they fit neatly into his mantra of “America First.” While some may question whether this tough talk against Russia is a bit of a late-night television show plot twist given Trump’s history with both leaders, the fact remains that he’s gunning for a resolution that doesn’t involve America continuing to fund a never-ending conflict. It appears Trump believes that a little fiscal pain might just do the trick to bring Russia back to the negotiating table—or at least the sort of table where he can negotiate from a position of strength.
Trump 'Very Angry' With Putin, Threatens Tariffs on All Russian Oil https://t.co/IyCcTuPI2P
— Observing Time (@TimeObserving) March 31, 2025
Interestingly, Trump has still managed to maintain that he has a strong relationship with Putin. So, one can’t help but wonder if this whole thing is just classic Trumpian performative politics, blowing off steam while still holding hands with the guy behind the curtain. Meanwhile, Putin has been less than cooperative, reportedly rejecting attempts for a ceasefire agreement and instead throwing Zelensky’s leadership into the ring as part of a peace strategy. It’s as if they’re playing a game of chess, with Trump momentarily flipping the board in frustration.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, both sides are grappling with their own agendas and political posturing. While Zelensky is shouting for more support and pressure on Putin, Trump is caught in the crossfire, with his eyes set on what’s best for America first. The complexities of international relations continue to swirl, but one thing is certain—Trump’s latest comments have reignited the debate about how assertive the U.S. should be in the geopolitical fray. One can only sit back and wait for the next act in this unfolding drama, where perhaps the line between ally and adversary is as blurry as a well-watered Moscow street after a downpour.
