In a surprising shift, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (July 15) said Ukraine should not target Moscow. He also rejected claims that he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to strike the Russian capital during their phone call on July 4.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump clearly said, “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow.”

US Not Sending Long-Range Missiles

When asked whether the United States was planning to send long-range missiles to Ukraine, Trump replied, “No, we’re not looking to.” His answer came only a day after he introduced what he described as a tougher stance against Russia, which included promises of new military aid to Ukraine.

What the Earlier Report Claimed

Earlier, the Financial Times had reported that during the July 4 call, Trump allegedly asked Zelenskyy, “Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? Can you hit St Petersburg too?” According to the report, Zelenskyy replied, “Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.” The report claimed Trump suggested attacking Russian cities might “make them [Russians] feel the pain” and force Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations.

Trump Responds to Accusations

However, Trump denied this version of the conversation. Speaking on the South Lawn of the White House, he said, “I am on nobody’s side. I am on humanity’s side because I want to stop the killing.”

A spokesperson further clarified Trump’s position. They explained that “President Trump was merely asking a question, not encouraging further violence.” The spokesperson also said, “He’s working tirelessly to stop the killing and end this war.”

Disappointed with Putin, Blames Biden

Trump also shared his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that while he had helped settle other global conflicts, the war in Ukraine remained unresolved. He blamed US President Joe Biden for the ongoing war, saying it was “a Biden war, not a Trump war.”

Trump said his goal is to find a peaceful solution that allows the United States to step away from the conflict.

50-Day Deadline for Russia

In a major policy shift, Trump has now given Russia a 50-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire. If Russia fails to comply, Trump warned of strict US sanctions and higher oil tariffs. This suggests a tougher US approach toward Moscow but leaves questions about how peace talks would work.

“At the end of the 50 days, if we don’t have a deal, it’s going to be too bad,” Trump said, without explaining what a possible deal would include. He added, “I don’t think 50 days is very long—and it could be sooner than that.”

Threat of Severe Tariffs

Trump also warned that if the war does not end within 50 days, the US would introduce harsh economic measures. “If there’s no deal in 50 days, we’ll impose secondary tariffs—100 percent. That’s how it’s going to be,” he said.

Pentagon Halts Arms to Ukraine as NATO Gets US Weapons

Trump’s comments came shortly after the Pentagon stopped sending weapons to Ukraine. However, during his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that billions of dollars’ worth of US-made weapons will soon be sent to NATO allies instead.

“We are going to produce top-of-the-line weapons, and they will go to NATO,” Trump told reporters.