Trump says he is 'not happy' with Putin, 'looking at' sanctions

WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday blasted his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, stressing that he is considering additional sanctions on Moscow.

"I'm not happy with Putin," Trump told reporters at a Cabinet meeting.

He confirmed that the US will send additional weapons to Ukraine.

"Putin is not treating human beings right. He's killing too many people, so we're sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine. I've approved that," he said.

The move to send more weapons follows separate conversations Trump had last week with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Afterward, Trump described his discussion with Putin as disappointing, saying there was “no progress” toward a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Last week, US media reported that the Pentagon had suspended some shipments of air defense missiles and other precision munitions to Ukraine due to concerns over low US stockpiles. However, both Trump and the Defense Department confirmed on Monday that the US will send more weapons to Ukraine.

'I'm looking at it very strongly'

Trump reiterated that the war should end, noting his frustration with the growing death toll.

"We get a lot of bull***t thrown at us by Putin – you want to know the truth. He's very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless," he said.

When asked about further sanctions on Russia, Trump said he is "looking at it."

Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal on April 1 introduced a bill titled the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 that would impose a 500% tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.

Asked if he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk, Trump said: "It's an optional bill. It's totally at my option. They pass it totally at my option and to terminate totally at my option. And I'm looking at it very strongly."

Graham said Trump "is spot on about the games Putin is playing" and added the Senate will move soon on a "tough sanctions" bill, not only against Russia but also against countries like China and India.

"The Senate bill has a presidential waiver to give President Trump maximum leverage. When it comes to Putin and those who support his war machine, it is time to change the game," he said on X.