Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – According to a report by the Financial Times, U.S. President Donald Trump directed Kyiv to begin launching deep strikes into Russia, even asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if he could hit Moscow with long-range weapons if the U.S. provided them arms. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people who had been briefed on the discussions.
According to the newspaper, citing two individuals familiar with the Trump-Zelensky conversation, the U.S. president asked his Ukrainian counterpart if he could strike military targets deep inside Russia, provided he was supplied with capable weapons.
What did Trump ask Zelensky during the July 4 call?
“Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? . . . Can you hit St Petersburg too?”
The US president asked during the July 4 call between the US and Ukrainian presidents, the newspaper reported, Zelensky responded:
“Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.”
Trump indicated his backing for the plan, calling it a way to ‘make them [Russians] feel the pain’ and push the Kremlin to negotiate, according to two individuals familiar with the call.
The conversation represents a significant shift from Trump’s earlier position on Russia and his campaign pledge to reduce US engagement in international conflicts.
How has Trump’s position on Russia changed recently?
On Monday, Trump stated that the U.S. will impose 100 percent tariffs on Russia unless Putin agrees to a peace deal with Ukraine within 50 days. He said that the US will supply “top-of-the-line weapons” to Ukraine through NATO countries, while also warning Russia of heavy tariffs if a resolution to end the conflict is not achieved within 50 days.
The president strongly criticised Putin during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, as his frustration with the Russian leader grew due to increasing attacks on Ukraine.
“We want to make sure Ukraine can do what it wants to do,”
Trump expressed following a conference with NATO chief Mark Rutte in Washington.
Rutte also confirmed that the US had decided to
“massively supply Ukraine with what is necessary through NATO,”
With Europeans covering the costs. European nations will send Kyiv their Patriot air defence systems, which Ukraine depends on to counter Russia’s deadly air strikes. The US will then provide replacements, Trump stated.
What role will Patriot missiles play in Ukraine?
The Patriot systems are vital because it is one of the only air defense systems available that can intercept Russian ballistic missiles and other more advanced threats, specifically hypersonic weapons like the Kinzhal missile, which Ukraine has been able to destroy Patriot systems. This improved air defense is necessary, particularly with the ongoing mass missile and drone attacks, including over 330 missiles and 5,000 drones dropped in June 2025 alone.
