**U.S. President Trump Tells Ukraine Leader Not to Strike Moscow**
In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump has advised his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, not to strike the Russian capital of Moscow. This comes after reports emerged that Trump had asked Zelensky during a phone call in early June whether Kyiv could strike Moscow or St Petersburg if provided with long-range U.S. weapons.
According to the Financial Times (FT), Trump made this request during a phone call in June, sparking concerns about the potential escalation of violence in Ukraine. The Washington Post also reported that Trump asked Zelensky why he had not struck the Russian capital, and Zelensky allegedly replied that such an attack would be possible if the U.S. supplied the necessary weapons.
When questioned further on the matter, Trump stated that Zelensky should not target Moscow. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly responded to the reports by accusing the Financial Times of “taking words wildly out of context.” She claimed that Trump was merely asking a question and working tirelessly to stop the killing and end the war.
**Warming Up to Ukraine**
The recent developments come as Trump appears to be warming up to Ukraine after months-long tensions between the two nations. The U.S. president has offered advanced weapons to the war-torn country via a deal with NATO, and threatened Russia with “severe tariffs” if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a peace deal within 50 days.
**Analysis**
The recent statements from Trump highlight the complexities of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While it is unclear what motivated Trump’s request for Zelensky to consider striking Moscow, it is clear that the U.S. president is seeking ways to de-escalate the situation.
One possible interpretation is that Trump is trying to find a way out of the conflict without appearing too soft on Russia. By offering advanced weapons and threatening Russia with tariffs, Trump may be attempting to show his commitment to supporting Ukraine while also maintaining a tough stance towards Moscow.
However, others have raised concerns about the potential consequences of such actions. If Zelensky were to strike Moscow or other Russian cities, it could lead to further escalation and potentially even global conflict. This highlights the need for careful diplomacy and consideration in navigating the complex web of international relations.
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