I'm 'disappointed but not done' with Putin, Trump tells BBC

July 15, 2025

President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Vladimir Putin in an exclusive BBC phone interview, stating he still hopes to work with the Russian leader despite repeated failures to secure peace in Ukraine. Trump announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and warned of potential severe tariffs against Russia if no ceasefire is reached within 50 days. During the 20-minute Oval Office conversation, Trump also endorsed NATO, praised the UK-US relationship, and highlighted his domestic achievements including border control and tax cuts.

Who is affected

Ukrainian civilians facing intensified Russian drone and missile attacks
NATO member countries being pushed to increase defense spending
Undocumented immigrants in the US, particularly those Trump describes as criminals
American taxpayers impacted by Trump's tax cuts
UK-US relations, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles
Canadians, indirectly referenced regarding Trump's previous annexation comments
Beneficiaries of Medicaid facing potential cuts

What action is being taken

Trump is sending weapons to Ukraine to support their defense efforts
The administration is threatening Russia with severe tariffs if no ceasefire is achieved within 50 days
Trump is working to deport undocumented immigrants, specifically targeting criminals
The administration is extending 2017 tax cuts and creating new tax breaks on tips
Trump is engaging with NATO leadership and endorsing the alliance's collective defense principle
The administration is negotiating with Canada on unspecified matters

Why it matters

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to cause record civilian casualties
Trump's renewed support for NATO represents a shift from his previous "obsolete" characterization
The administration's immigration policies are affecting record numbers of migrants
Trump's tax policies represent what he calls "the largest tax cuts in history"
The US-UK relationship is highlighted as having a "special bond" despite Brexit concerns
Trump's approach to Russia could determine the future trajectory of the Ukraine war

What's next

Trump plans to make a second state visit to the UK in September
The administration will continue deportations, particularly focusing on removing criminals
Trump indicates he will attempt further negotiations with Putin to end the Ukraine war
If Russia doesn't agree to a ceasefire within 50 days, Trump plans to implement severe tariffs
No explicit next steps stated regarding the Medicaid cuts or specific NATO initiatives

Read full article from source: BBC