U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting that new sanctions against Moscow could be on the horizon.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump described a recent phone conversation with Putin as deeply troubling.
“I told you I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin,” Trump said. “He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people—it’s no good. It’s a very tough situation.”
The U.S. president, who has previously resisted imposing additional penalties on Russia, hinted that his administration might now be ready to take stronger action.
“We talk about sanctions a lot,” Trump said. “He understands that it may be coming.”
Meanwhile, Trump also confirmed he had a “very strategic call” on Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The two leaders reportedly discussed bolstering Ukraine’s air defense systems in response to intensified Russian drone and missile attacks—the largest since the invasion began.
Earlier, Zelensky stated that both countries agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses amid growing concerns over delays in U.S. military support.
Trump further revealed that he had spoken with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the possibility of supplying Ukraine with U.S.-made Patriot missile systems, though no decision had been made.
“Merz feels they have to be protected,” Trump noted, suggesting Germany is also pushing for increased defense support for Ukraine.