Trump asks Ukraine to hit Moscow and St. Petersburg

Donald Trump has shifted his stance on Ukraine, urging President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to increase strikes inside Russia, including targeting Moscow and St. Petersburg if provided with the right weapons. In a July 4 call, Trump asked Zelenskyy, "Can you hit Moscow?" to which Zelenskyy responded, "Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons." Trump supported the idea by telling him, "Make them [Russians] feel the pain".

This discussion followed a tense conversation between Trump and Vladimir Putin, reflecting rising US frustration over Russia's refusal to negotiate. Trump indicated support for Ukraine's long-range strikes as a means to pressure the Kremlin. He also announced plans to supply advanced weapons to Ukraine and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports if peace is not achieved within 50 days.

This marks a significant policy change, fueled by dissatisfaction with Moscow's actions.