Trump to BBC: 'Disappointed but Not Done' with Putin

Donald Trump, in an exclusive 20-minute phone interview with the BBC, said he is “disappointed but not done” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S. president was asked directly whether he trusts Putin and responded bluntly: “I trust almost no one.”

The comments came just hours after Trump announced new plans to send military aid to Ukraine and threatened Russia with steep tariffs unless a ceasefire agreement is reached within 50 days.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump reaffirmed his backing of NATO — an organisation he once called “obsolete.” He expressed support for the alliance’s collective defense principle and praised recent changes, such as increased spending by member nations.

The phone call came after talks about a formal BBC interview marking one year since the attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. When asked if surviving the attack had changed him, Trump said he preferred not to dwell on it, suggesting thinking too deeply about it “could be life-changing.”

Turning to Russia, Trump said he believed a peace deal had been within reach on four occasions, only to see hopes collapse. When asked if he was finished dealing with Putin, he answered, “I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him.”

Pressed on how he plans to end the war in Ukraine, Trump said, “We’re working it, Gary,” referring to the interviewer. He described a pattern of optimism followed by setbacks, saying, “We’ll have a great conversation… I’ll think we’re close to getting it done, and then he’ll knock down a building in Kyiv.”

Russia has recently escalated missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, leading to record civilian casualties.

On NATO, Trump revised his earlier criticism, saying the alliance is no longer obsolete, noting that member countries are now "paying their own bills." He reiterated his support for collective defense, emphasizing the protection it provides to smaller nations.

Trump also commented on his relationships with world leaders, saying those from countries like Germany, France, and Spain respected his leadership. He suggested this was partly because of the skill it takes to be elected U.S. president twice. When asked if their praise was sometimes overly flattering, he said they were likely “just trying to be nice.”

Discussing the UK’s global role, Trump called Britain a “great place” and mentioned owning property there. On Brexit, he described the process as “a bit sloppy” but said it’s now being sorted out.

Trump praised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, calling him “a liberal” but saying, “I really like the prime minister a lot.” He also expressed strong support for a UK-US trade deal and looked ahead to a second state visit to the UK this September.

As for his goals during the visit, Trump said he wants “to have a good time and show respect to King Charles, because he’s a great gentleman.”