'Not appreciated' — Trump unhappy with Russia's calls for transitional Ukrainian government, State Department says

 

U.S. Rejects Putin’s Proposal for Temporary Ukrainian Government, Trump Expresses Frustration

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion to establish a temporary government in Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelensky was met with strong disapproval from U.S. President Donald Trump, a State Department spokesperson said on March 31.

“There was an idea from Russia regarding a temporary administration, which the president did not appreciate,” State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated during a press briefing. “Ukraine is a constitutional democracy. Its governance is determined by its constitution and the will of the Ukrainian people.”

The remarks followed Trump’s expression of frustration a day earlier, in which he said he was “pissed off” and “very angry” over Putin’s persistent focus on Zelensky’s legitimacy.

On March 28, Putin proposed the formation of a transitional administration in Ukraine, supervised by the U.N. and other nations, to organize new elections—an idea swiftly rejected by the White House. “We remain committed to diplomatic efforts to achieve a complete ceasefire and bring both sides to the negotiating table for a lasting resolution,” the spokesperson said. “President Trump has been clear: Russia and Ukraine must move toward an immediate ceasefire. That stance has not changed.”

Ahead of planned peace talks, Putin repeated his baseless assertion that Zelensky is “illegitimate” and therefore lacks the authority to sign any agreements in potential negotiations.

As ceasefire discussions stall, Trump issued another warning on March 31, threatening to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil exports unless Putin takes decisive steps to end the war.

“I want to ensure he follows through, and I believe he will,” Trump said. “I don’t want to resort to secondary tariffs on Russian oil, but I won’t hesitate if I feel he isn’t fulfilling his commitments.”

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump has “expressed displeasure” with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire. The president also voiced frustration over stalled negotiations with Ukrainian officials regarding a minerals deal.

The U.S. continues to emphasize diplomacy as the path to ending the conflict, while firmly rejecting any external attempts to dictate Ukraine’s political future.