Trump Blasts Putin Over Zelensky Comments, Threatens Fresh Sanctions on Russia

Trump Blasts Putin Over Zelensky Comments, Threatens Fresh Sanctions on Russia

Former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a fiery attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin during a tense early morning phone interview on Sunday, expressing outrage over Putin's remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press with host Kristen Welker, Trump said he was “pissed off” after Putin questioned Zelensky’s credibility and hinted at the need for new leadership in Ukraine—a move Trump said would sabotage any chance of peace.

“If we’re in the middle of negotiations, and Putin starts talking about replacing Zelensky, then there’s no deal coming anytime soon,” Trump said. “I was very angry. That’s not how you move towards resolution.”

Trump warned that if Putin continues to derail diplomatic progress, the U.S. could hit Russia with a new wave of economic penalties. These would include tariffs ranging from 25 to 50 percent on Russian oil exports