Shocking question from Trump to Zelensky: 'Can you strike Moscow?'

The British newspaper Financial Times has brought to light a striking claim regarding a phone call that took place on July 4 between former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the report, Trump asked Zelensky directly, "Can you strike Moscow and St. Petersburg?" Zelensky reportedly replied to this question by saying, "We can do that if you provide the supply of weapons."

US plans arms shipments via Europe

Following the conversation, it was reported that US officials presented a list of long-range weapon systems that could be provided to Ukraine during contacts with Zelensky in Rome. The report emphasized that instead of sending these weapons directly from the US, there is a plan to transfer them through allied countries in Europe. It is suggested that through this method, Trump aims to provide support without requiring Congressional approval.

Did the strategy change after the meeting with Putin?

This approach by Trump contradicts his previous rhetoric of "staying away from foreign conflicts." However, it is alleged that this change in stance by Trump came after a meeting he held the day before with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was described as "difficult." According to sources, Trump interpreted this aggressive proposal as a strategy to draw Russia to the negotiating table.

Zelensky has his sights set on Tomahawks

Among the weapons Ukraine has requested from the US are Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a range of approximately 1,600 kilometers. However, both Washington and the Kyiv administration are concerned that such weapons might not be used cautiously by Ukraine.

Short-range missiles also on the agenda

US officials stated that the list presented to Ukraine also includes shorter-range weapons such as ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System). These missiles have previously been used by Ukraine in Russian-occupied territories. However, ATACMS systems do not have sufficient range to strike cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Earlier this week, in a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump announced that Patriot air defense systems would be given to Ukraine. However, he did not share information regarding other weapon systems. In his statement after the meeting, he said, "I expected a peace deal with Russia to be reached two months ago. Putin disappointed me."

A response to Trump's statements came from Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia. Medvedev stated that Trump had issued a "theatrical ultimatum" to the Kremlin and that Russia "did not care" about it.

The Moscow administration had threatened to attack Western targets if Western countries provided advanced weapons to Ukraine. Following Ukraine's targeting of Russian territory with ATACMS missiles in November, Russia changed its nuclear doctrine, directly placing the US, the United Kingdom, and France in its crosshairs.

News Source: 12punto