President Donald Trump has privately encouraged Ukraine to expand deep strikes into Russian territory, raising the possibility of targeting Moscow if Washington provides long-range weaponry, exposing a major reorientation in US strategy on the war in Ukraine.
Trump presses Zelenskyy on long-range strikes
According to a Financial Times report, during a call on 4 July, Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if Kyiv could strike targets as far as Moscow and St Petersburg should the US supply advanced arms.
Sources familiar with the conversation report that Zelenskyy confidently replied, “Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.”
Trump, previously known for pledging to end American involvement in the conflict rapidly, signalled support for escalatory action, telling Zelenskyy such tactics would “make them [Russians] feel the pain” and push the Kremlin towards negotiations.
Western allies debate expanded support for Ukraine
Following these discussions, US officials shared a wishlist of potential long-range strike systems with Ukraine.
These options included Tomahawk cruise missiles with a 1,600km range and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
Concerns persist among American officials about Ukraine’s willingness to exercise restraint with such powerful tools, although the appetite for bolder support is growing within NATO.
To sidestep Congressional resistance, the plan under review involves selling longer-range weapons to European allies, who would then transfer them to Kyiv, thereby accelerating Ukraine’s ability to threaten deep Russian targets.
Escalation warnings from Moscow
Despite official dismissals — with Dmitry Medvedev calling Trump’s move “theatrical” — the Kremlin has repeatedly warned of severe retaliatory steps should attacks reach Russian territory using Western-supplied arms.
Following prior Ukrainian ATACMS strikes on Russian targets, President Putin updated the nuclear doctrine to lower the threshold for a potential Russian first strike against NATO nuclear powers in retaliation for escalated attacks.
Ukraine’s homegrown capabilities on display
While awaiting green lights on advanced Western systems, Ukraine has stepped up use of its long-range drones, including a high-profile operation in June that destroyed Russian strategic bombers deep inside Russia using “suicide drones” covertly delivered inside prefabricated homes.
These innovations highlight Kyiv’s growing determination and technical ingenuity in targeting Russia’s war infrastructure.
Outlook: US signals new stage in Ukraine war
In a recent Oval Office meeting with Nato chief Mark Rutte, Trump announced new Patriot missile supplies for Ukraine but stopped short of confirming additional offensive weapons.
“I’m disappointed in President Putin, because I thought we would have had a deal two months ago,” Trump said, underscoring Washington’s growing frustrations with Moscow’s refusal to engage in ceasefire talks.
As Western restrictions on Ukrainian strikes inside Russia appear to loosen, the stage is set for a sharper phase in the war with potentially far-reaching consequences.
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