In an NBC interview, President Trump expressed anger towards Putin over comments about Zelensky’s leadership in Ukraine and hinted at potential tariffs on Russian oil if the war continues. Additionally, he threatened Iran with military action if it persists in developing nuclear weapons. Trump’s remarks signify his complex relationship with both nations as he attempts to navigate foreign policy challenges.
During an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, US President Donald Trump expressed his intense frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding comments he made questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership. This sentiment marks a notable shift in Trump’s approach as he seeks to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine, even suggesting potential tariffs on Russian oil if the conflict remains unresolved.
In the conversation, Trump stated, “if Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault, then I would impose secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia.” He described himself as “very angry, pissed off” over Putin’s remarks about Zelensky’s credibility and suggested Ukraine might benefit from a cessation of hostilities.
Despite Trump’s push for a resolution since taking office, successful negotiations have evaded his administration. Recently, Putin rejected a US-Ukrainian ceasefire proposal and insinuated that Zelensky should be replaced, which Ukraine believes prolongs their conflict due to Russian tactics of stalling negotiations.
Moreover, Trump reaffirmed his complicated relationship with Zelensky, oscillating between criticism and support. He propounded the view that if Putin takes the correct steps, anger would quickly diminish, indicating an intricate diplomatic dynamic at play.
In addition to his comments on Ukraine, Trump threatened unilateral action against Iran. He stated that should Iran continue its nuclear ambitions, “there will be bombing,” coupling his military threats with the potential imposition of tariffs. This hardline stance reflects an escalation from his previous remarks about Iran, stressing the urgency of diplomacy to prevent military conflict.
Trump has previously withdrawn the United States from the Iran nuclear agreement, yet he has indicated a readiness to negotiate anew, despite his administration’s continued emphasis on strict sanctions.
In summation, President Trump’s remarks reveal a dual focus on the geopolitical landscapes of Ukraine and Iran. His expressions of anger towards Putin signal a potential recalibration in US-Russian relations concerning the Ukraine war. Simultaneously, his threats towards Iran emphasize a firm stance against nuclear proliferation, illustrating the complexities of his foreign policy approach. Achieving meaningful outcomes in both regions remains a formidable challenge for his administration.
Original Source: www.france24.com
