In a bold move that underscores escalating tensions with Moscow, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his outrage towards Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, declaring that he would impose secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on Russian oil buyers if Russia obstructs efforts to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine.

During a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump articulated his frustration following Putin's recent comments undermining the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. "I am really pissed off," Trump stated, acknowledging his anger at the lack of progress toward a ceasefire in the three-year conflict.

Since his inauguration in January, Trump has navigated a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to foster a more conciliatory relationship with Russia while simultaneously addressing the concerns of Western allies wary of Moscow’s intentions. However, his recent remarks signal a significant shift, reflecting mounting impatience with the stalled negotiations.

"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 ... I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump warned. He elaborated, stating, “If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” indicating that punitive tariffs could range from 25% to a staggering 50%.

The President mentioned that he could implement these trade measures within a month, although there was no immediate reaction from the Kremlin. Moscow has historically dismissed Western sanctions as "illegal," accusing the West of exploiting the geopolitical rivalry for economic gain.

Spending the weekend at his Palm Beach estate, Trump also revealed plans to engage in dialogue with Putin later this week. The two leaders have publicly communicated through two recent phone calls, with speculation that additional undisclosed communications have occurred.

As the conflict continues, Trump has called the war—a direct result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022—"ridiculous," yet his efforts to broker peace have so far met with limited success. Putin’s suggestion that Ukraine might be subjected to a temporary administration to facilitate new elections raises further questions about the future of Zelenskiy’s leadership and the direction of Ukrainian governance.

Despite his frustration, Trump emphasized his historically positive rapport with Putin, implying that resolutions might still be possible: "The anger dissipates quickly ... if he does the right thing," he concluded, leaving the door open for future negotiations. 

As the world watches this high-stakes standoff unfold, one thing is clear: Trump’s approach to dealing with Russia is about to change, and the implications for the global oil market could be profound.