Trump says he's 'pissed off' at Putin, ready to impose secondary tariffs on 'all oil coming out of Russia'

“Just hours ago, President Trump called me he is quote 'pissed off' with Russia's President Putin and threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russia's oil,” said host Kristen Welker.

Trump was furious after Vladimir Putin criticized the authority of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership, when Putin actually repeated his propaganda that Zelenskyy is allegedly illegitimate. On Friday, the Russian leader called for establishing an interim government (under the auspices of the United Nations), which could remove Zelenskyy.

Trump's anger is also linked to the ongoing war.

“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 — which it might not be — but 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 was quoted as saying.

When Trump may impose tariffs and in what size

He added that anyone who buys Russian oil will not be able to do business in the United States. Trump also clarified the size of the tariff, saying it will be 25%.

"That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil. There will be a 25% tariff on oil and other products sold in the United States, secondary tariffs," he said.

Trump said that tariffs against Russia would take effect within a month if there is no ceasefire agreement.

The American leader also said that Vladimir Putin knows he is evil. He added that he has “a very good relationship with him” and “the anger dissipates quickly ... if he does the right thing.”

The US president announced that he and Putin plan to talk again next week.

A week ago, Bloomberg wrote that the Trump administration was seeking to conclude a truce agreement between Russia and Ukraine before Easter, i.e., by April 20. But the US also acknowledges that the deadline may be shifted due to the different positions of the parties.

West reacted to Putin's statement

Putin's proposal for interim rule in Ukraine to allow for elections sparked a reaction from the West.

A representative of the White House National Security Council told Reuters that the government in Ukraine is determined by the Constitution and elected by its people.

European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho said that Ukraine should decide when to hold elections. She emphasized that Zelenskyy was elected legitimately and democratically, and no one but the people of the country should propose holding elections.

Read more in RBC-Ukraine's report.

Continued attacks against Ukraine and Zelenskyy's call

Following the talks in Riyadh, a partial truce was reached between Ukraine and Russia. At least on the energy strikes. Russia claimed that the agreement had been in effect since March 18. However, it continued to attack Ukrainian cities with drones, destroying residential buildings and damaging the energy sector.

The President of Ukraine said that Russia must be forced to peace. He noted that it is impossible to ignore the hundreds of Russian Shahed drones every night, saying that a reaction from the US and Europe is needed.

“It is impossible to ignore the hundreds of Shaheds every night. We expect a response, a serious response. We are working on this response. A strong response is urgently needed — first and foremost from America, Europe, and from all those around the world who have placed their bets on diplomacy. Russia must be forced into peace. Only pressure will work,” the president said.