On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump made a layered statement regarding the war in Ukraine, publicly urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not to strike Moscow and reiterating a firm 50-day ultimatum for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
The remarks come amid a shift in the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict, which includes a revised framework for military assistance to Ukraine. The evolving strategy has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers across the aisle.
Speaking from the South Lawn of the White House, Trump directly addressed reports by The Financial Times that alleged he had encouraged Ukraine to conduct deep strikes into Russian territory — including Moscow — during private discussions. “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow,” Trump said, firmly dismissing the claims. He also downplayed speculation about supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, adding, “No, we’re not looking to do that.”
Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed the Financial Times for what she called “wildly misleading” reporting, accusing the outlet of taking Trump’s words out of context for attention. “He was simply asking a question — not pushing for more bloodshed,” she said. “The President is working tirelessly to stop the violence and bring this war to an end.”
Beyond rejecting the idea of Ukrainian strikes on Moscow, former U.S. President Donald Trump doubled down on his 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. “If we don’t have a deal in 50 days, it’s going to be too bad… tariffs will go into effect and additional sanctions will follow,” Trump warned. He also suggested the implementation of “secondary tariffs,” which would target nations continuing trade with Russia, signaling a push to deepen Moscow’s economic isolation.
Although details of the proposed economic measures remain vague, the tone reflected a clear pivot toward applying intensified financial pressure should diplomacy fail. Trump also voiced his dissatisfaction with the ongoing conflict — and with Russian President Vladimir Putin himself. “I’ve been very disappointed with President Putin,” he said. “I’ve solved a lot of wars in the last three months, but this one’s still unresolved.”
Positioning himself as an outsider to the conflict, Trump again placed blame on the Biden administration. “This is a Biden war, not a Trump war. I’m trying to clean up the mess,” he said. When pressed about where he stood in the conflict, Trump emphasized neutrality: “I’m on nobody’s side. I just want the killing to stop in the Ukraine-Russia war. That’s the side I’m on.”
Responding to a question about whether 50 days was too generous a deadline, Trump replied, “I don’t think 50 days is long… it could be sooner. You should ask Biden why we’re even in this war.”
He also confirmed a key shift in policy — the U.S. would resume shipments of defensive weapons to Ukraine, reversing a brief pause in aid deliveries earlier in the week.
A revised aid strategy, outlined during talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, would see European allies buying U.S.-manufactured weapons—like Patriot missile systems—and supplying them to Ukraine, with NATO members covering the expenses.
