U.S. President Donald Trump softened his rhetoric toward Russian leader Vladimir Putin after yesterday’s harsh statements, when he said he was “angry” at the Russian president.
Speaking to reporters aboard the plane, Trump emphasized that he trusts Putin and expects him to make the right decision by signing a peace agreement on Ukraine. He also noted that he does not consider his relationship with the Russian leader to be at its “lowest point” but admitted that he was disappointed by Putin’s remarks about the possibility of UN external governance in Ukraine.
I don’t think he will break his word. I’ve known him for a long time, and we’ve always gotten along well. I think everything will be fine. Although some of his recent statements about Zelensky disappointed me. But if he considers him unreliable, that doesn’t mean an agreement shouldn’t be made, Trump said.
Additionally, he denied NBC News reports that the U.S. had allegedly given the Kremlin a month to reach an agreement, clarifying that no specific deadlines exist. However, Trump warned that if he sees attempts to delay negotiations, he “won’t like it.”
He also threatened Russia with secondary oil tariffs, which he believes could lead even China to stop purchasing Russian oil. Trump reminded that similar measures had already been applied to Venezuela, and their effect was significant.
I wouldn’t want to impose secondary tariffs, but if that happened, it would be very bad for Russia. Such measures have already had a serious impact on Venezuela — all the ships simply left. If you don’t comply, you’re cut off from doing business in the U.S., and that’s a very powerful leverage, Trump emphasized.
