On the 15th, US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine should not target Moscow as an attack target, thereby sidestepping media reports that had previously encouraged Ukraine to intensify its strikes on Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Ukraine extended its state of war once again. Meanwhile, Russia responded to Trump’s announcement on the 14th regarding a final demand for “strict” tariffs on military aid to Ukraine with Russia by saying it was “indifferent,” and expressed an open attitude towards negotiations.
Trump: Ukraine Should Not Target Moscow
Ukraine’s Parliament Extends State of War for the 16th Time
According to a report by the Ukrainian National News Agency on the 15th, the Ukrainian Supreme Rada (the parliament) voted to approve the draft presidential decree submitted by President Zelensky on the 14th, which extends the state of war and military mobilization for 90 days.
The draft stipulates that the state of war and military mobilization will be extended until November 5, following the expiration of August 6. This marks the 16th time since the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022 that the Supreme Rada has approved the extension of this decree.
Trump: Ukraine Should Not Target Moscow
On the 15th local time, US President Donald Trump stated that Ukrainian President Zelensky should not target Moscow as an attack target.
In response to questions about whether Zelensky should attack the Russian capital, Trump made this statement. Regarding whether the United States would provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, Trump replied, “No, we won’t do that.”
When asked if he stands with Ukraine, Trump said, “I don’t stand with anyone.” He also mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin should agree to a ceasefire agreement within 50 days or face sanctions.
According to a report by The Financial Times on the 15th, during a recent call with Zelensky, Trump had encouraged Ukraine to intensify its strikes on Russian territory, even asking if the United States could provide Ukraine with long-range weapons to strike Moscow and Russia’s second-largest city, Saint Petersburg.
White House spokesperson later denied the claim, stating that The Financial Times had misquoted.
On the 14th, Trump stated that if Russia does not reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 50 days, the United States will impose “very severe” tariffs on Russia. He also mentioned that the United States would provide Ukraine with a large amount of military aid through NATO, including some equipment such as the Patriot air defense system, which is expected to arrive in Ukraine within “a few days.”
U.S. Media: U.S. May Provide Ukraine with Long-Range Weapons
According to multiple U.S. media analyses, in addition to the Patriot air defense missile system, the U.S. government is considering providing Ukraine with long-range weapons.
The Military Watch magazine reported on the 14th that the U.S. government is considering providing the Ukrainian armed forces with ground-to-air missiles launched outside the joint airspace, also known as AGM158 cruise missiles. The report noted that these missiles have a range of about 370 kilometers, and their improved version can reach up to 1000 kilometers. “These missiles will be equipped for the continuously expanding F-16 fighter jet fleet of Ukraine.”
French General: NATO Lacks the Relevant Budget
The U.S. government claims that it will provide Ukraine with weapons through NATO, with NATO paying for these weapons. In response, Le Figaro quoted French general François Chauvin saying, “I have no idea how NATO could purchase weapons for a third country,” indicating that NATO lacks the necessary budget and cannot empty its own stockpile.
On the 15th local time, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expressed his welcome for Trump’s announcement of sending more weapons to Ukraine but hoped that the United States would share the responsibility.
For the Sake of “America First”
“Selling weapons and engaging in arms trade,” this has been repeatedly emphasized by President Donald Trump in the past two days. He said that providing Ukraine with “Patriot” systems and other weapons through NATO aligns with his consistent principle of “America First.”
The U.S. Department of Defense analyst openly stated that this move could further deplete the resources of other NATO countries.
Overall, we aim to provide Ukraine with a variety of highly advanced military equipment. The European countries will pay 100% of the costs for these weapons, which is the way we want it to be. The EU will cover the expenses, and we won’t have to spend a penny; we are merely providing the weapons, which is how we conduct business.
A commentary published on the website of Politico on the 14th criticized Trump for his further steps in providing weapons to Ukraine, allowing Europe to purchase the “Patriot” air defense missile system and other weapons for Ukraine. Trump insists that this latest move aligns with his “America First” strategy and also resonates with an old viewpoint that America has been exploited by its allies, especially Europe, in defense matters. This time, the U.S. government will not foot the bill, as the money will have to come from Europe itself.
After Trump met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, took to social media to reiterate the principle of “America First.” He wrote that “America First” means that the relationship between the United States and its European allies must be fair and just to continue. Now, NATO’s historic commitment to providing military aid to Ukraine proves that this principle is not only feasible but also beneficial for both Americans and their European allies.
Russia’s Reluctance to Respond to the U.S. Demands
Open to Negotiations with Ukraine
Trump recently announced a series of plans involving Russia and Ukraine, yet Russia remains unresponsive to the demands.
Dmitry Medvedev: Unconcerned About the Dramatically Demanded U.S. Threat
On the 15th, Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Security Council, expressed on social media that President Donald Trump had issued a dramatic demand to the Kremlin. The world was shocked and awaited the consequences.
He said the belligerent EU has fallen into disappointment, while Russia is indifferent.
Putin: Still prepared for a third round of talks with Ukraine
At noon local time on the 15th, Russian President’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told the media during a press briefing by phone that if Russian President Putin deems it necessary, he will comment on Trump’s statement. Peskov once again reminded that Russia remains prepared to engage in a third round of talks with Ukraine, but so far, there have been no proposals from Ukraine to initiate such dialogue. Both the US and Europe hope for this kind of dialogue, yet the Ukrainian authorities remain silent.
Russian political analyst Marek Dudakov believes that Russia will remain calm regarding the actions of the United States.