US President Donald Trump on Tuesday distanced himself from reports suggesting he encouraged Ukraine to strike deep into Russia, saying President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “should not target Moscow.”
His remarks came just a day after announcing what he described as a “toughened stance” against Russia, including a new tranche of military aid for Ukraine.
“I am on nobody’s side,” Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House. “I am on humanity’s side because I want to stop the killing.”
The Financial Times had earlier reported that Trump, in private conversations, asked Zelenskyy whether Ukraine could hit Moscow if supplied with long-range US weapons. But on Tuesday, Trump appeared to walk back that suggestion.
“No, he shouldn’t target Moscow,” Trump said when pressed about the report.
TRUMP THREATENS 100% TARIFFS OVER CEASEFIRE DELAY
The president’s 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire deal — or face renewed US sanctions and oil tariffs — signals a dramatic shift in tone, though questions remain about whether any talks are planned.
“At the end of the 50 days, if we don’t have a deal, it’s going to be too bad,” Trump said, offering no details on how such an agreement might be reached.
He defended the timeline, saying, “I don’t think 50 days is very long — and it could be sooner than that.”
Trump has also been putting pressure on Russia to end its war on Ukraine and issued a warning to Putin, threatening “severe” tariffs if a ceasefire is not reached within the next 50 days.
“If there’s no deal in 50 days, we’ll impose secondary tariffs – 100 percent. That’s how it’s going to be,” he announced.
This comes weeks after the Pentagon halted arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed that billions of dollars’ worth of US-made weapons would soon be sent to NATO allies.
“We are going to produce top-of-the-line weapons, and they will go to NATO,” Trump told reporters.
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With inputs from Reuters
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