According to a report by The Financial Times, U.S. President Donald Trump privately encouraged Ukraine to expand its attacks deeper into Russian territory — going so far as to ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whether Ukrainian forces could strike Moscow if provided with long-range weaponry.
The conversation allegedly took place during a phone call between Trump and Zelensky on July 4, just one day after Trump reportedly held a separate conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Citing two individuals familiar with the matter, the report describes the call as a sharp turn from Trump’s earlier stance of promising to end U.S. involvement in foreign wars and his previously softer rhetoric on Russia.
The exchange is said to reflect Trump’s mounting frustration over what he views as Putin’s unwillingness to engage seriously in peace negotiations proposed by Washington.
According to the sources, Trump directly asked:
“Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? Can you hit St. Petersburg as well?”
To which President Zelensky responded:
“Absolutely. We can, if you give us the weapons.”
Although it remains unclear whether the U.S. will supply Ukraine with such long-range systems, the reported conversation signals a significant potential shift in Trump’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict — from restraint to confrontation.
The Financial Times report is already sparking global attention, as it adds to growing speculation over the future direction of American foreign policy, especially with Trump increasingly vocal about the war in Ukraine and critical of Russia’s continued aggression.
