U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong disapproval of his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump said he was displeased with the conversation, noting that Putin appeared determined to continue the violence.
“He wants to keep going, just continuing the bloodshed — I wasn’t happy with the call at all,” Trump said.
Trump also suggested that his administration might now be considering stricter economic penalties against Russia.
Though he had previously avoided imposing new sanctions in hopes of encouraging diplomatic progress, Trump said sanctions were now back on the table.
“Sanctions are something we’ve discussed often. He knows they could be implemented,” he said.
In a separate call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier the same day, Trump described the conversation as “strategic,” especially amid concerns in Ukraine over delayed U.S. military aid.
Zelensky later confirmed that both leaders had agreed to collaborate on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems.
This development followed a large-scale missile and drone attack by Russian forces — one of the most intense barrages since the war began.
Trump also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the possibility of sending Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. While no final decision has been made, Trump noted that Merz supports increased protection for Ukraine.