Trump Opposes Strikes on Moscow, Urges Peace Deal in 50 Days
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Ukraine should not target Moscow, even as his administration rolled out a fresh military aid plan for Kyiv and warned Russia to reach a peace agreement within 50 days or face new economic penalties.
Speaking at the White House, Trump responded to questions about a Financial Times report suggesting he had discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the possibility of using U.S. missiles to strike Moscow. “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow,” Trump said, dismissing the idea despite ongoing Russian attacks.
Trump, who campaigned on ending the war in Ukraine and curbing American defense spending abroad, has put increasing pressure on both Russia and Ukraine to reach a settlement. While he initially boasted of his rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump has recently taken a firmer stance, threatening severe tariffs on Russia’s remaining trade partners if no peace deal is reached within 50 days.
Under his leadership, NATO countries have agreed to expand military support to Ukraine. However, the Kremlin warned that the move could prolong the conflict. “Such a decision will be perceived by Kyiv not as a signal for peace but for the continuation of the war,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Moscow needed time to fully respond to the U.S. announcement.
Trump’s threat of economic retaliation comes as Russia’s economy continues to weather Western sanctions, buoyed by redirected energy exports and increased military spending. Despite internal EU divisions — particularly from Slovakia’s pro-Moscow government — most European allies welcomed the renewed U.S. involvement.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas applauded Trump’s commitment to send more weapons but called on Washington to share the financial burden. “If you promise to give the weapons, but say someone else will pay, it’s not really your contribution,” she told reporters in Brussels.
NATO members Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden — all recent joiners following Russia’s 2022 invasion — expressed readiness to participate in Trump’s new plan. Sweden’s Defense Minister Pal Jonson said the country would provide air defense equipment to Ukraine, citing the urgent need amid Russia’s relentless missile and drone assaults.
On the ground, reactions were mixed. Ukrainian soldiers fighting in the eastern region expressed cautious hope. “If there’s even a slight chance this helps us and hurts them, that’s already positive,” said one soldier, Ruslan, 29. Others remained skeptical, pointing to past unfulfilled promises and delays in weapons deliveries.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, civilians largely dismissed Trump’s comments. “It’s a game of chess,” said Svetlana, a 47-year-old aviation engineer. “He gave 50 days — and then there will be more. We are waiting for the next move of our president.”
As the war enters its fourth year, tens of thousands have been killed and millions displaced, with eastern and southern Ukraine devastated by Russian bombardments. Whether Trump’s 50-day ultimatum can accelerate peace or further escalate tensions remains to be seen.
