US President Donald Trump on Tuesday distanced himself from recent reports claiming he encouraged Ukraine to launch strikes deep into Russian territory, firmly stating that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “should not target Moscow.”
The statement came just a day after Trump revealed a more aggressive approach toward Russia, which includes a fresh round of military aid to Ukraine—part of what he described as a “toughened stance.”
“I’m not on anyone’s side,” Trump told reporters gathered on the South Lawn of the White House. “I’m on the side of humanity, because I want to stop the killing.”
.@POTUS: “I’m on nobody’s side … I want the killing to stop in the Ukraine-Russia war. That’s the side I’m on.” pic.twitter.com/ohuOudFp6R
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 15, 2025
Backtracking On Moscow Strike Claims
The president’s comment came in response to a report by The Financial Times, which alleged that Trump had privately asked Zelenskyy whether Ukraine could target Moscow if equipped with long-range American weapons. When asked directly about the claim on Tuesday, Trump dismissed the idea outright.
“No, he shouldn’t target Moscow,” Trump responded bluntly, signaling a retreat from any suggestion of direct assaults on the Russian capital.
Frustration With Putin, Blame On Biden
Trump expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite noting his role in ending other global conflicts. Framing the ongoing war as something his administration would have avoided, Trump labeled it “a Biden war, not a Trump war,” emphasising that his aim now is to extricate the United States from what he views as a spiraling conflict.
50-Day Countdown: Ceasefire Or Consequences
In a bold move, Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to Moscow: agree to a ceasefire or face sweeping new sanctions and tariffs, including a possible 100% duty on Russian oil and goods. The warning marks a sharp escalation, although Trump offered few details on how a peace deal might be brokered—or whether negotiations are even underway.
“If there’s no deal in 50 days, we’ll impose secondary tariffs – 100 percent. That’s how it’s going to be,” he warned. “I don’t think 50 days is very long — and it could be sooner than that.”
His latest remarks follow a recent decision by the Pentagon to pause military aid shipments to Ukraine. However, during a press briefing from the Oval Office with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at his side, Trump confirmed that billions of dollars’ worth of U.S.-manufactured weapons would be sent to NATO allies.
“We are going to produce top-of-the-line weapons, and they will go to NATO,” Trump declared.
