Syria struggles to quell Bedouin-Druze clashes in south Bedouin fighters have reportedly been pushed out of the city of Suweida Sectarian clashes have continued in southern Syria despite an "immediate ceasefire" announced by the country's president. Reports say that Druze fighters on Saturday pushed out Bedouin gunmen from the city of Suweida - but fighting continued in other parts of the province. This has not been verified by the BBC. Government forces deployed earlier this week by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa were blamed for joining in attacks on the Druze. More than 900 people are reported to have been killed in the past week. All sides are accused of atrocities. The US Secretary of ...
Published: July 15, 2025
Author: Gary O'Donoghue, Chief North America Correspondent, BBC
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In a compelling and high-stakes exclusive interview with the BBC, former United States President Donald J. Trump declared that while he is "disappointed" in Russian President Vladimir Putin, he is "not done" with him. This declaration came during a 20-minute phone conversation from the Oval Office, where Trump also addressed a range of pressing global and domestic issues, from the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict to his thoughts on NATO, UK relations, King Charles, immigration, and his long-term legacy.
This interview comes at a critical juncture in international politics. The war in Ukraine, now in its third year since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, has escalated in recent weeks with intensified drone and missile attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainian cities. Civilians have borne the brunt of these attacks, leading to international outrage and renewed focus on foreign policy from the U.S. administration.
Trump on Putin: A Relationship Fractured but Not Forgotten
When asked about his current stance on Vladimir Putin, Trump gave a candid reply:
“I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him.”
The statement reflects a nuanced diplomatic position. Despite personal frustrations and repeated setbacks in negotiating peace with Russia, Trump signaled that he is still open to communication and potential cooperation with the Kremlin leader. He recounted how on at least four separate occasions, he believed that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was close, only for Putin to escalate violence shortly after.
“We’ll have a great conversation. I’ll think we’re close to getting it done. Then the next day he knocks down a building in Kyiv.”
This statement underscores the fragility and unpredictability of international diplomacy, particularly with authoritarian regimes. Trump’s acknowledgment of his disappointment, without burning bridges, suggests he is attempting to walk a tightrope between pragmatism and principle.
New U.S. Policy: Weapons to Ukraine, Tariffs on Russia
Just hours before the interview, the Trump administration announced a major shift in policy: the resumption of military aid to Ukraine, coupled with a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Failure to comply would trigger severe economic sanctions, including tariffs aimed at crippling key sectors of the Russian economy.
This marks a significant pivot for Trump, who in his previous term was often accused of being too soft on Putin. Now, with a second term underway and under intense international scrutiny, Trump appears determined to prove that he can be tough when necessary.
Trust Issues: “I Trust Almost Nobody.
When pressed on whether he trusts Putin, Trump responded with his trademark bluntness:
I trust almost nobody.
This line, while seemingly cynical, aligns with Trump's long-standing worldview shaped by decades in business and politics. It reinforces his self-styled image as a pragmatic outsider who relies on instinct and negotiation rather than blind faith in diplomatic conventions.
A Changed Man? Trump Reflects on Assassination Attempt
The interview was scheduled to mark the one-year anniversary of the assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. When asked if the incident had changed him, Trump replied:
I don’t like to think about if it did change me.
Dwelling on it could be life-changing.
This moment offered a rare glimpse into Trump's introspective side. Despite his typically brash demeanor, the acknowledgment of personal vulnerability was striking and likely to resonate with both supporters and critics alike.
NATO: From “Obsolete” to “Essential
In one of the most notable turnarounds, Trump declared his support for NATO, an organization he once dismissed as obsolete:
“NATO is now becoming the opposite of that.”
He credited this transformation to member nations beginning to pay their fair share. Trump praised NATO's new policy to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, calling it "amazing" and a reflection of renewed commitment.
“Nobody thought that was possible.”
He emphasized the importance of collective defense, stating that smaller nations must be able to rely on alliances to deter aggression from larger powers.
Europe and the UK: Strategic Allies, Despite Differences
Turning to Europe, Trump said that world leaders such as those from Germany, France, and Spain have come to respect him more now, particularly because he has been elected to the presidency twice. He acknowledged that some flattery from foreign leaders might be disingenuous, but said:
“I think they’re just trying to be nice.”
On the UK, Trump reiterated his affection for the country, referring to his ownership of property there. He expressed admiration for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, despite ideological differences:
“I really like the prime minister a lot, even though he is a liberal.”
However, he criticized the UK's handling of Brexit, calling it "sloppy," while noting that it is "getting straightened out."
Upcoming UK Visit and Respect for King Charles
Trump confirmed he will make his second state visit to the UK this September. When asked about giving a speech in Parliament, Trump dismissed the idea:
“Let them go and have a good time.”
Regarding King Charles, Trump was diplomatic, praising the monarch as a "great gentleman." He brushed aside any tension related to Charles’ recent speech in Canada, where the King emphasized Canadian sovereignty after Trump made controversial remarks suggesting the U.S. could annex Canada.
“I thought he was very good, very respectful.”
Immigration: Record Lows and Mass Deportations
On the domestic front, Trump touted success in addressing illegal immigration. According to him, illegal border crossings have dropped to record lows in the early months of his second term. He emphasized that the current focus is on the identification, detention, and deportation of undocumented immigrants.
“We’re bringing them to El Salvador, lots of other places.”
He cited a controversial agreement with El Salvador to detain and prosecute gang members, many of whom were deported from the U.S. He also lashed out at the judiciary:
“We’ve had some judges that are radical left lunatics, and every case has been overturned.”
Trump pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld parts of his immigration policy as a significant legal win.
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Tax Policy: “One Big Beautiful Bill”
Trump praised his administration’s landmark tax and spending bill, which extends the 2017 tax cuts and introduces new tax breaks for tipped workers. It also includes substantial cuts to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income Americans.
“We have the largest tax cuts in history.”
He described the bill as a cornerstone of his economic agenda and a testament to his ability to deliver on campaign promises.
Defining His Legacy: "Saving America"
When asked how he would like history to remember his presidency, Trump offered a sweeping and bold statement:
“Saving America. I think America is now a great country, and it was a dead country one year ago.”
Whether or not one agrees with that characterization, there is no doubt that Trump’s second term is shaping up to be as controversial, influential, and combative as his first. His statements in the BBC interview underscore his willingness to challenge both adversaries and allies, while maintaining an image of strength, resilience, and purpose.
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In an exclusive BBC interview, President Donald Trump says he's "disappointed but not done" with Vladimir Putin, announces new Ukraine aid, praises NATO, and reflects on his political legacy, UK relations, and domestic policy achievements.
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