Trump Expresses Frustration with Putin Call, Signals Possible Sanctions Over Ukraine War

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday expressed deep frustration over his latest phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the exchange as unsettling and pointing to Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was displeased with Putin’s stance during their discussion on the war.

“It’s a very tough situation. 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,” Trump said.

The former president hinted that tougher sanctions against Russia could finally be on the table, after months of holding back in hopes of persuading Putin to scale down the conflict.

“We talk about sanctions a lot,” Trump added. “He understands that it may be coming.”

Meanwhile, Trump also confirmed he had a productive conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier in the day, amid rising anxiety in Kyiv over the pace and scale of U.S. military assistance.

He described the discussion as a calculated and strategic engagement.

“Very strategic call,” Trump said, offering no further details but aligning with Zelensky’s earlier statement that both leaders had agreed to work toward bolstering Ukraine’s air defense systems.

Zelensky had earlier confirmed that the talks centered on plans to “strengthen” Ukraine’s defenses following what he described as the largest wave of Russian drone and missile attacks since the start of the invasion.

In a separate conversation on the same day, Trump said he also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about potentially supplying Ukraine with Patriot interceptor missiles — a request still under consideration.

“Merz feels they have to be protected,” Trump noted, suggesting the issue remains a point of negotiation.

As tensions continue to escalate in the region, Trump’s remarks indicate a possible shift in U.S. posture toward both Moscow and Kyiv, with implications for future military and diplomatic engagement.