U.S. President Donald Trump expressed opposition to attacks on Moscow by Ukraine and stated he is negative about providing long-range weapons that could strike Russian territory.
Before a visit to Pennsylvania on the 15th (local time), President Trump met with reporters at the White House and said, "Zelensky (Ukrainian President) should not target Moscow." He further clarified, "I have no intention of providing weapons that can reach deep into Russian territory."
This statement follows a meeting the previous day with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which Trump outlined support for providing offensive weapons to Ukraine. During that meeting, Trump indicated that if Russia does not agree to end the war within 50 days, strong secondary sanctions, including a 100% tariff on trading partner countries, would be anticipated.
Trump's comments reflect an intention to manage the battlefield in a balanced manner while preventing excessive provocation of Russian President Vladimir Putin that could escalate the war.
Earlier, the Financial Times (FT) reported that President Trump asked Zelensky during a call on the 4th, "If long-range weapons are provided, can we attack Moscow and St. Petersburg?" and that Zelensky responded, "It is possible."
On that day, Trump warned, "If the war does not end within the next 50 days, very bad things will happen," adding, "Tariffs will begin on Russia, and other sanctions will be activated." In response to the point that a 50-day grace period is long, he stated, "I do not think that way. An agreement could be reached sooner."
He also expressed disappointment with President Putin, stating, "I will watch and see what happens on Putin's side," and added, "So far, I have been very disappointed with Putin." He claimed, "I have resolved many wars over the past three months, but this is not a war I created; it is Biden's war."
He added, "I am neither on Ukraine's nor Russia's side. I am on the side of humanity, and I hope for an end to the slaughter."
On the same day, Trump continued his criticism of the Federal Reserve (Fed), saying, "We should have the lowest interest rates in the world, but we do not," and claimed, "Jerome Powell, the Fed Chair, is doing a terrible job."
Meanwhile, President Trump indicated that he is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his visit to Scotland at the end of this month.