U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday expressed sharp dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that he was “very unhappy” following a phone call between the two leaders and signaling that harsher sanctions against Russia could be imminent.
“It’s a very tough situation,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I told you I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people—it’s no good.”
The comments mark a notable shift in Trump’s tone toward the Kremlin, following six months of restraint as he attempted to use diplomatic channels to convince Putin to halt the invasion. “We talk about sanctions a lot,” Trump added. “He understands that it may be coming.”
Tensions have escalated in recent days after Russia launched its largest drone and missile attack since the conflict began, prompting renewed concern in Kyiv over the consistency of U.S. military support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that he and Trump held a “very strategic call” on Friday, during which both leaders agreed to work on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.
Trump also revealed that he had discussed the potential delivery of U.S.-made Patriot missile systems in a separate call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. While no final decision has been made, Trump noted that Merz “feels they have to be protected.”
The discussions come amid mounting pressure on Washington to reinforce its support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities as the conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians and infrastructure.
While no new sanctions have been officially announced, Trump’s remarks suggest a renewed willingness to escalate economic pressure on Moscow as diplomatic efforts appear to stall.
Written By Rodney Mbua
