Trump Criticizes Putin but Signals Ongoing Diplomacy in BBC Interview
In a candid 20-minute phone interview with the BBC, US President Donald Trump said he is “disappointed but not done” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a recent surge in Russian attacks on Ukraine. The call came just hours after Trump announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and warned of severe tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire is not reached within 50 days.
Pressed on whether he trusts Putin, Trump replied, “I trust almost no-one.” He revealed that he had hoped to strike a deal with Russia on four occasions, but each time felt progress had been sabotaged by renewed aggression. “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,” he said.
Despite the disappointments, Trump made it clear he is not closing the door on diplomacy. “I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him,” he said, when asked directly about Putin. He added that the US is actively working on ways to bring about peace in Ukraine, though he offered no specific roadmap.
Trump Defends NATO, Reflects on Post-Attempt Changes, and Eyes UK Visit
In the wide-ranging conversation, Trump affirmed his support for NATO, an alliance he once labelled obsolete. He now says the organization has improved because member states “are paying their own bills.” He confirmed his belief in collective defense, calling it crucial for helping smaller countries withstand larger aggressors.
Reflecting on his near-death experience at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump said he tries not to dwell on how it may have changed him. “I don’t like to think about if it did change me,” he said, adding that thinking too deeply about it “could be life-changing.”
The interview also touched on global leadership. Trump claimed that leaders from countries like Germany, France, and Spain now respect him more, attributing it to what he called the “talent” required to be elected twice. When asked if their praise ever felt exaggerated, Trump said he believed they were “just trying to be nice.”
Trump also discussed his view on the UK’s future, describing it as a “great place” and expressing admiration for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I really like the prime minister a lot, even though he is a liberal,” Trump said, while praising the UK-US trade partnership.
He confirmed plans for an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom this September. When asked what he hoped to achieve on the visit, Trump replied, “Have a good time and respect King Charles, because he’s a great gentleman.”
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