Zelensky Denies Reports of Moscow Attack Request
– “Not considering long-range missiles… I’m on the side of humanity”
– Discussions on providing offensive weapons continue, and pressure on Putin remains
[Seoul/Washington=Newsis] Reporter Lee Hye-won, Correspondent Lee Yoon-hee = U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn a line saying he will not support Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking Moscow, the Russian capital.
Reports emerged claiming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked whether Moscow could be targeted if provided with long-range missiles, but Trump essentially denied this, stating Moscow should not be targeted.
On the 15th (local time), as he was leaving the White House, when asked by reporters if Zelensky should target Moscow, President Trump replied, “No, Moscow should not be targeted.”
When asked about the possibility of supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, he also stated, “No, we are not considering it.”
Insisting he sides with neither party, Trump emphasized, “Do you know whose side I’m on? I’m on the side of humanity.”
This contrasts with reports suggesting that President Trump had encouraged President Zelensky to consider attacking Moscow.
Earlier, the Financial Times reported that during a call on the 4th, President Trump asked President Zelensky if targets like Moscow and St. Petersburg could be struck, to which Zelensky reportedly answered they could be if long-range weapons were provided.
The conversation occurred a day after Trump’s sixth call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Trump expressed great disappointment.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt also sent a statement to Newsweek denying involvement, stating, “President Trump simply asked questions and did not encourage additional killings,” claiming remarks were used out of context.
The U.S. is not entirely ruling out providing offensive weapons.
CNN, citing sources, reported that President Trump, in discussions with European allies in recent weeks, did not rule out supplying specific offensive weapons. These include weapons President Zelensky requested from the U.S. but has yet to receive.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, when asked about including long-range offensive missiles in NATO plans, stated, “All kinds of weapons could be included because they are both defensive and offensive.”
Matt Whitaker, the White House envoy to NATO, while focusing on defensive systems like the Patriot missile, also stated, “We are not ruling out any options,” leaving possibilities open.
President Trump clarified that he does not wish for an attack on Moscow, but emphasized actions would be taken if President Putin does not agree to a ceasefire quickly.
He stated a 50-day ultimatum given the day before, saying, “If an agreement is not reached by the time 50 days pass, things will get very bad,” and warned that tariffs would be imposed and other sanctions enforced.
When asked why 50 days were given, he replied, “I don’t think 50 days is very long. It could be even faster.”
Additionally, he suggested asking former President Biden the same question about why he got involved in this war, appearing to express discomfort aware of criticisms that he is prolonging the war by playing into Putin’s hands.
Meanwhile, President Trump, when questioned about the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate that rebounded in June, claimed, “There was almost no inflation. We are just making money.”