Trump advises Zelensky against targeting Moscow

On July 15, 2025, Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, made a statement regarding his views on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During a press interaction on the South Lawn of the White House, Trump addressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's potential military strategies, focusing specifically on the idea of striking Moscow. Trump clarified that he did not support the targeting of the Russian capital, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He indicated that while he questioned Zelensky about the lack of strikes on Moscow as a means to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, he ultimately advised against it. Zelensky, on the other hand, responded to Trump by suggesting that with the necessary weaponry, such actions could be possible. Reports indicate that discussions included the potential provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as part of bolstering its defensive capabilities against Russia. The conversation seemed to hinge on military strategy and tactics amid a backdrop of an ongoing war that has lasted for over three years since February 2022. Trump reiterated that he views himself on the side of humanity, seeking to end the killings rather than taking a definitive stance in favor of one nation over the other. This exchange comes at a time when the conflict in Ukraine remains tense and complex, with Russian advances continuing to create difficult circumstances for the Ukrainian government. Trump was also vocal about his disappointment with Putin while announcing that secondary tariffs would be imposed on Russia if no peace agreement were reached within a 50 day period. Despite the potential for additional sanctions and pressures from the Trump administration, sources from within the Kremlin report that Putin remains resolute in his objectives in Ukraine and unfazed by United States' threats. The situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions and raises questions about the effectiveness of international interventions in regional conflicts. The events surrounding Trump's comments and the ongoing situation in Ukraine emphasize a significant moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations and highlight the complexities of military support and diplomatic engagement during times of war. As Ukraine seeks support from Western allies, the discussions with Trump suggest a conscious navigation by both leaders of the implications of military action against Russia, underscoring the delicate balance between military strategy and the pursuit of peace.