Trump backtracks from suggestion Ukraine should ‘target Moscow' but again tells Putin to reach peace deal soon
Date: 2025-07-16T07:43:30.000Z
Title: Morning opening: No, do not bomb Moscow
Content: US president Donald Trump clarified overnight that, contrary to reports, he does not want Ukraine to target Moscow with long-range missiles: 'No, he should not target Moscow.'
But he reminded Russian president Vladimir Putin of the 50 days deadline to reach a peace settlement over Ukraine. 'I don't think it's a long time,' he warned.
Asked what options he was expecting to have if Russia doesn't respond to the ultimatum, he said:
'A lot of opinions change very rapidly. Might not be 50 days, might be much sooner than 50 days.'
Trump also confirmed that first Patriot deliveries for Ukraine, via Germany, are 'already being shipped.'
But Russia appears to be undeterred in its attacks, with Ukraine's air force reporting this morning that 400 drones and one ballistic missile were launched, mostly targeting three cities of Kharkiv, Zelenskyy's hometown of Kryvyi Rih and Vinnytsia.
At least two people were reported dead, with at least 12 injured.
Separately, we will be looking at the fallout from the French budget presentation last night, and ahead to the European Commission's announcement of its plans for the EU's budget 2028-2034 later today.
I will bring you all the latest here.
It's Wednesday, 16 July 2025, it's Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
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