In a revelation that could escalate tensions between global powers, former U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy whether Ukraine could strike Moscow if provided with long-range weapons by the United States.
This report, published by the Financial Times on Tuesday and attributed to sources familiar with the conversation, claims that Trump privately encouraged Ukraine to conduct deeper strikes into Russian territory. The alleged discussion occurred in the context of Trump’s broader efforts to pressure Russia into a peace deal amid the prolonged war.
While the White House declined immediate comment and Reuters could not independently verify the report, the Kremlin did not take the claims lightly. Speaking in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that such rhetoric from Washington—particularly from a former president—was dangerous and counterproductive to ongoing peace efforts.
“If these statements are accurate, it will not be seen as a call for peace, but as motivation for Kyiv to escalate the war,” Peskov said.
Just a day prior, Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia to agree to a peace deal, while also unveiling a NATO-led initiative to deliver additional military aid to Ukraine. Trump also threatened severe tariffs on Russia’s remaining trading partners should Moscow fail to cooperate.
Despite mounting international pressure and sanctions, Russia’s economy has remained resilient, bolstered by redirected trade with countries like China and India and significant investments in its defense sector.
The Kremlin’s initial response suggested it is closely monitoring developments but cautioned that Trump’s statements may not help foster diplomatic solutions.
The unfolding situation has raised new questions about U.S. influence in the Russia-Ukraine war and how Trump’s potential return to the presidency could shape the geopolitical landscape.
