US President Donald Trump has denied claims that he urged Ukraine to attack Moscow, saying, “No, he shouldn’t target Moscow.”

The comments follow reports that Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a July 4 call if Ukraine could strike Russian cities. Trump dismissed the claims, saying he wants to stop the war, not escalate it. His spokesperson said he was “just asking a question”, according to Firstpost.

Trump ruled out sending long-range missiles to Ukraine but warned Russia to agree to a ceasefire within 50 days or face heavy sanctions and tariffs.

He called the war “a Biden war” and said his focus is on ending the conflict. Speaking alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed new US-made weapons will go to NATO allies, not directly to Ukraine, according to Firstpost.