U.S. President Donald Trump expressed anger on Sunday over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s comments regarding Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking in a phone interview with NBC News, Trump criticized Putin for questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility and addressing Ukraine’s political situation.
According to AP, Trump during the interview referred to Putin’s Friday statement suggesting Ukraine could be placed under external governance temporarily.
Trump called the remarks “angry, pissed off” and warned of significant economic repercussions. He announced plans for secondary sanctions on Russia and tariffs of up to 50% on Russian oil imports if Moscow were found at fault for stalled peace efforts.
“Anyone buying oil from Russia will face restrictions on selling their products in the U.S.,” Trump asserted, emphasizing the potential economic isolation. Despite the strong words, Trump highlighted his “very good relationship” with Putin.
The United States has been advocating for a comprehensive ceasefire to end the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine. However, Kremlin officials have rejected a proposed 30-day halt in hostilities, instead imposing extensive conditions on any partial ceasefire in the Black Sea region.
Meanwhile, Russian drones struck multiple targets in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, on Saturday night. The attacks hit a military hospital, a shopping center, and apartment blocks, resulting in two fatalities and dozens of injuries. Ukrainian authorities condemned the “deliberate” targeting of the hospital, which housed wounded service members.
Ukrainian officials reported a massive overnight attack involving 111 explosive drones and decoys, of which 65 were intercepted. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its air defense systems neutralized six Ukrainian drones and announced the capture of a village in the Donetsk region, though these claims remain unverified.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described the surge in Russian aggression as part of a strategy to prolong the conflict.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy revealed that over 1,000 drones, guided bombs, and missiles were launched against Ukraine in the past week. He reiterated that Russia’s delay in ceasefire negotiations aims to seize more territory.
As casualties mount, the international community continues to press for an immediate resolution to the conflict. However, escalating drone attacks and renewed military offensives signal a prolonged struggle ahead.
