U.S. President Donald Trump privately encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to carry out military strikes deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The call took place on July 4, one day after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, Trump asked Zelenskyy if Ukraine could target military sites in Moscow and St. Petersburg if provided with long-range weapons such as ATACMS missiles.
Zelenskyy reportedly responded that Ukraine could conduct such strikes if supplied with the necessary arms. Sources say the aim was to increase pressure on Russia and push toward peace negotiations.
This marks a notable change in Trump’s approach. Previously, he focused on improving U.S.-Russia relations to foster peace, but now he appears to support stronger military actions against Russia to force a resolution to the war.
The White House has not commented on the report. The call comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and increased Western support for Kyiv.
Trump also pledged additional weapons to Ukraine, funded by European allies, and warned of new sanctions on Russia if the conflict continues beyond a 50-day deadline.
The war in Ukraine remains highly complex, with significant military and diplomatic consequences.
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