WASHINGTON, DC  - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered a multi-faceted statement on Russia’s war in Ukraine, publicly instructing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky not to target Moscow and re-issuing a firm 50-day deadline reminder for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire.

The move came as Trump’s administration signaled an evolving approach to the war, including a new framework for military aid to Ukraine, drawing both welcome and sharp criticism from lawmakers. Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn Tuesday afternoon, Trump directly dispelled recent reports from The Financial Times that he had privately encouraged Ukraine to launch deep strikes into Russian territory, even questioning Zelensky about striking Moscow.

“No, he shouldn’t target Moscow,” Trump stated when asked about the matter. He further clarified his stance on offensive capabilities, adding, “No, we’re not looking to [send long-range missiles to Ukraine].”Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the Financial Times’ reporting as “notorious for taking words wildly out of context to get clicks,” saying that Trump “was merely asking a question, not encouraging further killing. He’s working tirelessly to stop the killing and end this war.”

Beyond the discussion of direct strikes, Trump reiterated his ultimatum for Russia: “At the end of 50 days, if we don’t have a deal, it’s going to be too bad... the tariffs are going to go on and other sanctions go on,” he said.

He also hinted at “secondary tariffs” that would aim to penalize countries trading with Russia, thereby isolating Moscow economically. While the specifics of these measures remain to be fully detailed, the threat underscores a shift towards increased economic pressure if diplomatic efforts falter. Trump also used the opportunity to express his frustration with the protracted conflict and with Putin directly. “I’ve been very disappointed with President Putin. I’ve solved a lot of wars in the last three months, but I haven’t gotten this one yet,” he said.

He once again distanced himself from the war, calling it “a Biden war; it’s not a Trump war. I’m here to try and get us out of that mess.”Asked which side he was on, Trump maintained neutrality, stating, “I’m on nobody’s side... I want the killing to stop in the Ukraine-Russia war. That’s the side I’m on.”

He then was asked about the notion of a lengthy deadline for a ceasefire: “Well, I don’t think 50 days is very long.. And it could be sooner than that. You should have asked that same question to Biden. Why did he get us into this war?” he told reporters. Trump also confirmed that the US would resume sending defensive weapons to Ukraine, a reversal from a previous, brief pause in some shipments.

This new aid framework, discussed with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, involves European allies purchasing US-made military equipment, such as Patriot missile systems, to then transfer to Ukraine, with NATO countries bearing the cost.

‘Actions Speak Louder’: Democrat Lawmaker Reacts to Trump’s Evolving Russia Stance

In a fiery House address earlier on Tuesday, Democratic Congressman George Latimer expressed a mix of relief and frustration after Trump announced the US will finally provide NATO allies with weapons for transfer to Ukraine. While welcoming the news, Latimer sharply criticized the timing, stating, “Finally. This is welcome news. But it comes six months late. Wasn’t it candidate Trump who promised to end this war on day one? How many Ukrainian lives might have been saved if he had kept that promise?”

Latimer highlighted the tension between Trump’s 2024 campaign promise to end the conflict within “24 hours’ and the war’s continuation six months into his second term, with delayed U.S. military aid.

He also questioned the administration’s use of ceasefire deadlines, citing Trump’s recent 50-day ultimatum to Putin, which followed a previous two-week deadline that passed without progress.

“That was six weeks ago. Now the deadline has been extended,” Latimer noted with exasperation. “Actions speak louder than words.”

The Congressman further contrasted the economic pressure on Ukraine with the lack of similar measures against Russia. “Ukraine has been subjected to tariffs. Russia has not,” he asserted, urging a more robust stance against Moscow.

He concluded with a strong appeal for decisive action: “We can’t afford any more of these deadlines that keep getting pushed and hollow threats. Let’s back it up with deeds.”