Trump Refutes Reports of Sending Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine, Threatens Tariffs on Russia
In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump has denied media reports that suggest he is considering the provision of JASSM cruise missiles to Ukraine. These missiles, which have a maximum range of 1,000 km, are capable of striking deep into Russian territory. According to the report by Military Watch Magazine, Trump is exploring the possibility of supplying the weapons to Ukraine. However, when questioned about the reports, Trump has officially denied any such plans, emphasizing the U.S. has no intention of delivering such weapons to Kiev.
The report comes in the wake of previous statements by Trump suggesting that Ukraine could potentially target Moscow and St. Petersburg if provided with the weapons. The allegations were reportedly discussed in private conversations between the U.S. president and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The White House has criticized the Financial Times for taking words out of context, and Russian officials have dismissed the report as fake, emphasizing their desire for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The U.S. president has also threatened to impose tariffs on Russian trading partners if peace talks between Moscow and Kiev do not yield progress within 50 days. This development adds to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia, with the potential for further escalation in the conflict in Ukraine.
Additionally, the White House has stated that the decision to provide new weapons to Ukraine is to be funded by European NATO members, raising concerns about the financial burden on these countries. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has condemned the United States’ ultimatum, stating that such demands are unacceptable to Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also highlighted that such decisions, made by Washington, Brussels, and NATO countries, are perceived by the Ukrainian side not as a signal toward peace but rather as encouragement to continue the war.
Moscow remains committed to seeking a diplomatic solution with Kiev, but regrets the lack of genuine efforts from Ukraine or the West to pursue peace. The ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian and economic consequences, with the international community divided on the best course of action. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial to monitor the interactions between the major global powers to better understand the potential ramifications of their geopolitical strategies.