US President Donald Trump said Friday he was considering new sanctions against Russia, after expressing frustration with a recent phone call with Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine.
“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 told reporters while travelling on Air Force One.
Trump, who has faced criticism for easing pressure on Moscow since returning to office in January, suggested his patience might be running out.
“We talk about sanctions a lot,” he said. “He understands that it may be coming.”
The comments followed growing concern in Kyiv over delayed US military aid and Russia’s escalating attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier Friday that he and Trump held a “very strategic call” focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.
Zelensky also hinted at joint arms production with the US, including drones.
“We had a detailed conversation about defense industry capabilities and joint production. We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies,” Zelensky wrote.
Zelensky also said the two “touched on mutual procurement” – a potential nod to Germany’s plan to procure air defence systems from the US on behalf of Kyiv.
One day earlier, on Thursday, Trump spoke by phone with Putin. Following the call he expressed frustration, saying that the Russian president “is not looking to stop [the war].”
“And I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today [Thursday] with President Putin, because I don’t think he’s there.”
“I don’t think he’s there, and I’m very disappointed,” Trump repeated. “I don’t think he’s looking to stop, and that’s too bad.”
Just hours after the phone conversation, Russia launched its biggest drone and missile strike since the full-scale invasion began, pounding Kyiv with hundreds of combat drones and dozens of missiles.
Trump said he also spoke Friday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the possibility of sending Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. But he stopped short of confirming any final decision.
“Merz feels they have to be protected,” Trump said.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
