Trump ‘pissed off’ with Putin as Finnish president makes surprise visit to Florida

• President Trump is reportedly “pissed off” with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his unwillingness to make good faith efforts in ending the country’s war with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb paid Trump a surprise visit in Florida on Saturday.
• Trump told NBC News he’s considering imposing a secondary tariff between 25% and 50% on anyone who purchases Russian oil exports, as Putin continues to stifle efforts towards a ceasefire with Ukraine.
• While Trump and Stubb discussed the war in Ukraine, their meeting also focused on the U.S. purchasing icebreakers that Trump said would deliver “peace and international security.”

Full Story

President Donald Trump is reportedly “pissed off” with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his unwillingness to make good faith efforts in ending the country’s war with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb paid Trump a surprise visit in Florida, Saturday, March 29, during which the two leaders played a round of golf and discussed several issues.

During a telephone interview with NBC News Sunday, March 30, Trump said he’s considering imposing secondary tariffs between 25% and 50% on anyone who buys Russian oil after Putin questioned the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Those tariffs, Trump said, could be implemented within the month.

Trump takes Putin to task

Trump is also reportedly frustrated by Moscow’s continued efforts to block his attempts at negotiating a ceasefire and bringing an end to the way in Ukraine.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault … I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said, adding that those who buy oil from Russia “can’t do business in the United States.” China and India are the two largest purchasers of Russia’s crude oil exports, followed by the European Union and Turkey.

While Moscow is yet to comment on Trump’s latest remarks, the U.S. president told NBC News that he plans on speaking with Putin this week –– their third conversation in recent months.

According to Trump, Putin is aware of his frustrations, but the two leaders have a “very good relationship” and “the anger dissipates quickly … if he does the right thing,” Reuters reports.

Stubbs surprise visit to Florida

Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb paid Trump a surprise visit in Florida on Saturday. The two leaders had breakfast and lunch together. They also played a round of golf with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

Trump and Stubb’s meeting, which was described as informal by the Finnish president’s office, focused largely on the U.S. purchasing Finnish icebreakers –– the country has designed roughly 80% of the ships and about 60% of them are built in Finnish shipyards, according to Reuters.

However, also on the table were discussions about Ukraine. Stubb and Zelenskyy met in Helsinki last week. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland opted to join NATO, despite its long-standing tradition of military non-alignment.

The latest talks between the U.S. and Finland build upon a deal signed by former President Joe Biden in November dubbed the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort. That deal, signed in conjunction with Canada, is meant to “develop world-class Arctic and polar icebreakers through the exchange of knowledge, information, and resources.”

“President Stubb and I look forward to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Finland, and that includes the purchase and development of a large number of badly needed Icebreakers for the U.S., delivering Peace and International Security for our Countries, and the World,” Trump posted to Truth Social following his game of golf with Stubb.