Date: July 15, 2025
Byline: Staff Writer

In a candid interview with the BBC, former U.S. President Donald Trump said he is “disappointed but not done” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a dramatic shift in tone as the war in Ukraine drags on.

Trump, who has long faced criticism for his historically soft stance toward Putin, expressed frustration over repeated failed attempts to negotiate a ceasefire. He revealed that there had been at least four near-breakthrough moments in talks, each derailed by renewed Russian military strikes—most recently a missile attack on a residential building in Kyiv.

“We were close—really close—to getting something done,” Trump told the BBC. “But every time, just as things looked hopeful, he [Putin] would turn around and hit Kyiv again. I’m disappointed, no question. But I’m not done trying.”

Shift in Policy on Ukraine

Trump also announced a significant shift in his position regarding U.S. support for Ukraine. After previously questioning aid to Kyiv, he now supports sending additional military assistance—including Patriot missile defense systems—through NATO, with funding contributions from European member states. This marks a notable reversal from his earlier calls to reduce U.S. military involvement abroad.

“Ukraine needs to defend itself. If Putin won’t cooperate, we will help Ukraine stand firm—smartly and with support from others, not just the U.S. paying the bills,” he said.

Sanctions and Economic Pressure

In a new escalation, Trump warned that unless progress is made toward peace within 50 days, he will push for sweeping economic measures against Russia. Among the most striking proposals is the introduction of “secondary tariffs” on all Russian exports—even those bound for countries outside the United States.

“We’re going to hit them hard where it hurts—the economy,” Trump said. “We’re not just talking sanctions. We’re talking tariffs that make it very painful for Russia to keep this war going.”

A New Tone on NATO

Trump also took the opportunity to acknowledge NATO’s revitalized role in global security. After years of calling the alliance “obsolete,” he now praised it as more “relevant than ever,” citing increased defense spending among member nations as a sign of progress.

“NATO is working—because countries are finally stepping up,” Trump said. “It’s about time they paid their share, and now that they are, it’s a strong and useful alliance.”

Global Implications

Trump’s remarks reflect a strategic recalibration amid mounting international pressure to end the war in Ukraine. His dual approach—offering both diplomatic outreach and hardline economic threats—appears aimed at forcing Putin to the negotiating table while reaffirming U.S. influence on the world stage.

The comments are likely to stir mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters may view them as a sign of strength and pragmatism, while critics could question the timing and sincerity of Trump’s shift, given his past praise for the Russian leader.

Conclusion

Trump’s statement—”disappointed but not done with Putin”—captures the tension at the heart of current geopolitics: a desire to avoid further conflict while recognizing the harsh realities of an ongoing war. Whether this approach yields results remains to be seen, but it marks a notable turn in Trump’s foreign policy rhetoric and strategy.