U.S. President Donald Trump said he’s frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin but not ready to give up on working with him. In a BBC interview, Trump said he’s tried four times to reach a peace deal with Russia over Ukraine.
“I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him,” Trump told the BBC. He added, “We’re working on it,” referring to efforts to stop the war.
Trump said that after positive talks, Putin often follows up with fresh attacks, like destroying buildings in Kyiv. Despite this, Trump said he’s hopeful for peace and has announced new weapons for Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, which will be sent through NATO and paid for by the alliance.
He also threatened sanctions on countries buying from Russia, unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days.
Since returning to office, Trump has pushed for better relations with Moscow and stepped back from some earlier pro-Ukraine policies. But so far, Putin hasn’t agreed to Trump’s call for an unconditional ceasefire — something Ukraine supports. Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian cities continue.
Trump also voiced stronger support for NATO, saying the alliance is no longer “obsolete” because its members are now paying their fair share.