Donald Trump reportedly asked Zelensky if Ukraine could strike Moscow and St. Petersburg, signaling a tough new stance on Russia.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whether Ukraine could strike Moscow and St. Petersburg if given the right weapons.
“Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? Can you hit St Petersburg too?” Trump asked, according to the Financial Times. Zelensky replied: “Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.”
Trump reportedly supported the idea, calling it a way to “make them [Russians] feel the pain.”
The July 4 call marks a dramatic shift from Trump’s previous calls for peace, with reports indicating discussions around supplying long-range missiles like Tomahawks and JASSMs through NATO intermediaries.
Trump also threatened 100% tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire isn’t reached in 50 days.
In a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte, he reaffirmed support for Ukraine and NATO defence, and revealed plans to supply Patriot systems—paid for by allies.
Russia responded with fresh missile strikes across Ukraine. The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s threat as “theatrical.”