(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has stated he is still open to future engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even though he expressed disappointment in him, according to a report by the BBC on Tuesday.

Trump’s remarks came shortly after he announced support for sending Patriot missile systems and other weapons to Ukraine, funded by European NATO allies. He also threatened to impose new tariffs on Russia and any countries buying its exports if the Ukraine conflict is not resolved within 50 days.

In a phone interview with the BBC, Trump was asked about his current stance on Putin. “I’m disappointed in him, but I’m not done with him. But I’m disappointed in him,” Trump said.

Despite the tougher rhetoric from Washington, Moscow indicated it remains open to dialogue. Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev said Trump, unlike former President Joe Biden, is trying to understand Russia’s legitimate interests. This, Dmitriev claimed, leaves the door open for a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation.

Russia has repeatedly stated it will not abandon its core objectives in Ukraine, though it prefers to achieve them through diplomacy. Moscow continues to describe the conflict as a NATO-led proxy war and an existential threat to its security.

Ukraine and its European allies have been urging Washington to tighten sanctions on Russia and accelerate arms deliveries. Trump’s latest announcement followed his meeting on Monday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Although neither Trump nor Rutte provided specific details about future arms shipments, reports suggest European nations will initially supply weapons from their own reserves, with plans to replenish those stocks through purchases from the US.

German magazine Der Spiegel characterized the announcement as more limited than many in Washington and Europe had anticipated. Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev dismissed Trump’s remarks as “a theatrical ultimatum” that Moscow “didn’t care” about.

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