The US president also denied the widespread reports that he had urged Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.
On July 15, speaking to reporters after the Financial Times article appeared, Mr. Trump stated clearly: "No, Mr. Zelensky should not target Moscow".
The statement came after the Financial Times (FT) quoted sources as saying Trump had personally asked Zelensky if the US provided long-range weapons, could Ukraine attack Moscow and St. Petersburg. Petersburg or not. According to FT, Zelensky is believed to have replied: "May".
Immediately afterwards, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly opposed the article, saying that FT had sliced and seriously distorted the Presidents speech to attract views because the newspaper was dying. She asserted that Mr. Trump only asked questions, not encouraged any more assassinations.
The president is working tirelessly to end the conflict, not adding oil to the fire, Leavitt stressed.
On the Russian side, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also commented on the FT news. He said usually this type of information is fake, but also noted that there are sometimes serious leaks, even from publications that are considered very reliable.
At the same time, the Financial Times also mentioned a recent "ultimatum" that Mr. Trump was said to have sent to Russia: If there is no progress in peace negotiations within 50 days, the US will impose severe secondary tariffs on Russia's trading partners. Trump also announced plans to provide a modern weapons system to Ukraine - funded by NATO member states in Europe.
Since taking office in January, Mr. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for a ceasefire between the two sides and peace. He has also held a number of phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to promote a political solution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Russia has said it is always ready to sit at the table for negotiations, but has yet to receive clear response from Ukraine on when the dialogues will resume. The two sides have held two direct talks in Istanbul this year, but have not achieved any breakthroughs other than a number of large-scale prison exchange agreements.
