President Trump expresses disappointment but not defeat regarding Putin during BBC interview

Donald Trump has expressed his disappointment with Vladimir Putin but stated he is not finished with him during an exclusive phone call with the BBC. When asked if he trusts Putin, Trump responded by saying he trusts almost no one. This phone call occurred after Trump announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and threatened severe tariffs on Russia if there is no ceasefire agreement within 50 days. In the interview, which took place in the Oval Office, Trump also endorsed Nato, which he had previously referred to as obsolete, and reaffirmed his support for the organization’s common defense principle. The phone call came after discussions about a potential interview to mark the one-year anniversary of the attempt on Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania. When asked if the assassination attempt changed him, Trump stated he prefers not to dwell on it. He also discussed his disappointment with Putin, mentioning that he believed a deal with Russia was possible on four different occasions. Trump emphasized that he is disappointed in Putin but not done with him. In addressing how to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, Trump said he and Putin would continue to have conversations. Trump also shifted the focus to Nato, stating that it is now the opposite of obsolete since member countries are paying their own bills and supporting collective defense. The interview also covered Trump’s thoughts on the UK’s future, where he owns property. He expressed his excitement for his upcoming state visit to the UK in September and emphasized his respect for King Charles.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e02q12z32o