Trump Denies Urging Strike on Moscow, Draws Red Line in Ukraine Aid

Trump Denies Urging Strike on Moscow, Sets Boundaries for U.S. Military Aid

President Donald Trump on July 15 directly addressed recent claims suggesting he encouraged Ukraine to attack Moscow. “Moscow should not be a target,” he told reporters, firmly rejecting the idea of backing long-range missile strikes. He also clarified that the U.S. will not supply Ukraine with long-range missiles and reiterated, “I don’t take sides.”

His remarks followed a report by the Financial Times, which claimed Trump had urged Zelensky in a recent call to target Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The White House later denied the report, calling it “taken out of context.”

Ukraine Extends Wartime Status as U.S. Prepares Expanded Military Support

Ukraine’s parliament on July 15 approved President Zelensky’s proposal to extend martial law and military mobilization for another 90 days—until November 5. This marks the 16th such extension since the conflict escalated in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Trump had earlier issued an ultimatum: if Russia doesn’t agree to a ceasefire within 50 days, the U.S. will impose “very severe” tariffs. He also pledged to deliver a large batch of military equipment to Ukraine via NATO—including the Patriot missile defense system.

U.S. media further reported that the Pentagon is considering supplying Ukraine with AGM-158 JASSM missiles, with ranges of up to 1,000 kilometers, compatible with the country’s expanding F-16 fleet.

Military Support as Business: Trump Reinforces ‘America First’ Doctrine

Trump emphasized that these weapons will be paid for entirely by NATO allies—“not a single dollar from the U.S.” According to Trump, this approach aligns with his “America First” strategy. U.S. defense officials note that this allows America to support allies while strengthening its own defense industry.

Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, reiterated this view online, saying that NATO’s commitment to fund Ukraine’s arms supply validates a “fair and balanced alliance model.”

Russia Responds Coolly, Signals Willingness to Resume Talks

Russia, however, appeared unfazed. Dmitry Medvedev called the 50-day deadline “dramatic” and irrelevant, saying Russia is not intimidated.

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia is still willing to resume direct talks with Ukraine, but has yet to receive any concrete proposal. He said that while the West favors dialogue, Ukraine remains silent.

Analysts in Moscow say the Kremlin is likely to adopt a “wait-and-see” approach to U.S. pressure, focusing instead on long-term strategic balance.