In a significant shift in diplomatic tone, former President Donald Trump publicly expressed his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating he is ‘angry’ and ‘pissed off’ due to recent comments made by Putin regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During an interview with NBC News, Trump criticized Putin for attacking Zelensky’s credibility amidst ongoing tensions in Ukraine, where Russia’s actions have been under intense global scrutiny.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, responded by emphasizing that Russia is still committed to working with the United States, stating, ‘We continue working with the US side, first of all, on building our relations.’ He also mentioned there were currently no plans for a call between Trump and Putin, but noted that Putin is open to the idea ‘if necessary.’ This comment seems to reflect the Kremlin’s attempt to downplay any escalating tensions following Trump’s outspoken criticism.
Trump’s anger was particularly ignited after Putin suggested the notion of establishing an interim government in Ukraine, potentially under UN support, which could replace President Zelensky. Trump firmly stated, “New leadership means you’re not gonna have a deal for a long time,” highlighting his concerns that such a change could hinder peace negotiations.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Russian media, particularly the pro-Kremlin outlet Moskovsky Komsomolets, published an opinion piece criticizing Trump. The article lamented that Trump was not fulfilling his obligations to prevent Ukraine from targeting Russian energy infrastructure and mentioned that any agreements made during Trump’s tenure are valued ‘only a few pennies on market day.’
This recent development comes as U.S. and Russian officials engage in ongoing discussions aimed at potentially resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the historical tensions, Trump’s critics note a marked difference in his previous approach towards addressing Putin, a leader he had previously been more favorable towards. As speculations rise about a potential recalibration in U.S.-Russia relations, Trump’s potential policies regarding tariffs on Russian oil, should negotiations fail, could further complicate the landscape.