President Donald Trump’s efforts to push a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine hit another obstacle after he expressed sharp frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The former president said he was furious over Putin’s latest remarks casting doubt on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s authority during negotiations.

Trump warned that Russia’s stance could trigger economic retaliation. He said that if the Kremlin is to blame for failing to reach a peace agreement, he will impose new tariffs and expand U.S. sanctions. His plan includes penalties on Russian oil and restrictions on nations that continue to buy from Russia.

Trump walks back "pissed off at Putin" statement he allegedly made to NBC News.
"Disappointed, in a certain way" that Putin considers Zelensky "not credible." Zelensky was called a dictator, multiple times, by Trump. pic.twitter.com/fmQFaYn0yB

— Alex Christoforou (@AXChristoforou) March 31, 2025

He laid out the consequences clearly, saying there would be tariffs between 25% and 50% on oil. Trump added that companies doing business with Russia would be barred from U.S. markets if they continued purchasing oil from the country.

These comments came shortly after Putin suggested Ukraine install a new interim government. According to Putin, a new administration would help secure a legitimate peace agreement. Trump viewed that proposal as a direct threat to talks and said it signaled that Putin was not taking negotiations seriously.

Trump says he’s “very angry” and “pissed off” over Putin’s remarks criticizing Zelensky’s credibility.

Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/fhl5oQpulW

— AF Post (@AFpost) March 30, 2025

Earlier this month, Trump had also voiced concerns about Zelenskyy. He previously referred to the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator without elections,” but his recent criticism has shifted toward Moscow’s role in slowing down a potential peace settlement.

Despite his frustrations, Trump confirmed he will speak with Putin again soon. Their most recent discussion took place last week, and he said his irritation might ease if the Russian leader takes meaningful steps toward ending the war.

Meanwhile, the Black Sea ceasefire deal backed by U.S. negotiators remains unstable. Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms, and Russia insists that sanctions must be lifted before it fully cooperates.