**Trump's Stance on Putin: Disappointment but Engagement Continues**

**In a recent interview, Donald Trump expressed his disappointment in Vladimir Putin while indicating his intention to continue engagement for peace in Ukraine.**

Donald Trump, in an exclusive phone interview with the BBC, has conveyed his disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin but insists he is "not done" with him yet. When confronted about trusting Putin, Trump remarked, "I trust almost nobody," highlighting his cautious approach to international relations. His comments came shortly after he announced the dispatch of military assistance to Ukraine and threatened Russia with significant tariffs if a ceasefire was not negotiated within a 50-day window.

Reflecting on the prior attempt on his life during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump noted that he prefers to think of the trauma minimally, believing too much reflection could alter his perspective. "I like to think about it as little as possible," he noted. In his discussion with the BBC, he elaborated on his interactions with NATO, stating his previous criticisms of the alliance had evolved, as he now acknowledges its growing strength and financial contributions towards collective defense.

During the interview, Trump articulated that he had anticipated a resolution with Russia on four occasions throughout the conflict in Ukraine, expressing his ongoing frustration with Putin's actions. "I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him," he said, illustrating his desire to find common ground while acknowledging the complexities of negotiation. Commenting on Russia's recent military escalation, he pointed out the high civilian casualties stemming from the conflict and echoed Putin's narrative on the war’s foundational causes, including perceived external threats.

Turning his attention to NATO, Trump praised the alliance for ramping up defense spending, emphasizing that he believes in collaborative defense strategies as a means for smaller nations to protect themselves effectively against larger adversaries. He took a moment to address the UK's position in the world, asserting his fondness for the nation and commenting on Brexit's progress, albeit critically.

Trump expressed his anticipation for a proposed second official visit to the UK in September, where he hopes to honor King Charles III. Despite the Parliament's session break during his stay, he indicated he wouldn’t demand its recall for a speech, suggesting that MPs deserve a break and should enjoy their time off.

On domestic issues, the president claimed significant achievements in reducing illegal border crossings, reinforcing his commitment to deport violent offenders swiftly, while he remains unshaken by judicial challenges his administration faces regarding immigration policies. He affirmed the sustained success of his tax reforms, while also laying out his vision for America's future, highlighting that his presidency aims at "saving America" from decline, claiming the nation's rebirth after a year marked by turmoil.

As Trump navigates complex international and domestic challenges, his responses showcase a blend of strategic engagement and assertive policy positions aimed to address criticism while maintaining a firm hand in governance.