U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, declaring he is “disappointed but not done” with his counterpart over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite past attempts to end the conflict swiftly, Trump has now issued a bold 50-day ultimatum to Moscow: cease hostilities or face 100% sanctions.
Behind closed doors, however, Trump is reportedly pushing a more aggressive approach. Sources suggest he has encouraged Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory — including potential targets in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Trump’s latest stance signals a significant shift from his earlier position of limiting U.S. involvement in the war. According to a Financial Express report, this shift has been building over time. In a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 4, Trump is said to have asked, “Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow?… Can you hit St Petersburg too?” Zelensky reportedly responded, “Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons.”
While it remains uncertain whether long-range weapons will be sent, Trump has committed to delivering U.S.-made Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. “Putin talks nice but then he bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump said on Sunday, defending his decision.
Additionally, Trump has coordinated with NATO members to provide new military aid to Kyiv, emphasizing an allied approach to pressure Moscow. This initiative comes amid what Trump believes is a clear refusal from Putin to consider ceasefire proposals — a far cry from Trump’s earlier pledge to end the war “in a day.”
According to Financial Times, Trump’s evolving strategy is aimed at inflicting economic and military pressure on Russia to force them into serious negotiations. “Make them feel the pain,” he is quoted as saying, underscoring a more punitive stance.
Despite this tough talk, the Kremlin has responded with caution. On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that increased Western support for Ukraine — especially from the U.S. and NATO — could embolden Kyiv and prolong the conflict.
“It seems that such a decision made in Washington and in NATO countries and directly in Brussels will be perceived by Kyiv not as a signal for peace but for the continuation of the war,” Peskov told reporters.
Peskov added that Trump’s remarks are being taken seriously in Moscow: “President Trump’s statement is very serious. We certainly need time to analyse what was said in Washington.”
Now entering its fourth year, the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows little sign of resolution. With Trump taking a harder line and Ukraine showing readiness to strike deeper, the coming weeks may prove decisive for the direction of the war and the possibility of peace negotiations.
