President Donald Trump is stepping up pressure on Vladimir Putin by asking Ukraine’s president a bold question: “Can you hit Moscow?” The July 4 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed a significant shift in Trump’s Ukraine policy, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.
“Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? … Can you hit St. Petersburg too?” Trump reportedly asked. Zelensky responded confidently: “Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.”
Trump, now visibly frustrated with Putin’s broken promises, expressed support for Ukrainian long-range strikes to “make [Russians] feel the pain” and force Putin into a ceasefire. While Trump later clarified that Ukraine “shouldn’t target Moscow,” his administration continues to push a high-stakes strategy: 17 U.S.-made Patriot missile systems will be delivered to Ukraine—funded by NATO allies—and a 50-day countdown is underway before Trump enacts 100% tariffs on Russia’s trading partners if no peace deal is reached.
This posture reflects a firm line from Trump, who once limited support to only defensive weapons. Now, under the weight of Putin’s double-dealing, Trump is showing strength through force and economic leverage.
“The tariffs are gonna go on and other sanctions will go on,” Trump warned. Zelensky, for his part, now holds a powerful tool—if America green-lights it.
