Trump criticises decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia

I don't agree at all with sending missiles, hundreds of missiles to Russia. Why are we doing this? We're just escalating this war and making it worse. This should not be allowed to happen”, Trump said during an interview with Time magazine, which was released Thursday.

After an over-year reluctance, the administration of President Joe Biden eventually decided in November to grant permission to Ukraine to conduct attacks on military assets within Russia using American production missiles, Tactical Military Missile System (ATACMS).

These powerful, precise missiles can hit the target to nothing less than 300 kilometers away.

The Beden administration argued the decision, saying Russia has escalated the conflict by sending some 11,000 Korean soldiers to the front line.

Just days after Ukraine first used the ATACMS missiles against Russia, the Kremlin responded by striking Ukraine with a new Intercatendrian ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear head. The Kremlin claimed that using this missile was a message to the West.

Trump has not indicated whether he will unilaterally abolish the decision to allow Ukraine to use this missile within Russian territory after taking office on January 20th, or whether he will use it as a means to negotiate with the Kremlin.

He has said he could end the almost three-year war between Russia and Ukraine within “24 hours,” which has sparked concerns that he could force Kiev to hand over territories currently occupied by Russian forces.

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has demanded that Western pledges for his country's security become part of any negotiated agreement. Zelensky and most Ukrainians want NATO membership because they say this alone will prevent Russia from conquering their country again in the future.

Trump was not asked about Ukraine's NATO membership, but has criticised the US-led military organisation in the past, saying it is a burden to US finances. The United States makes up about 60 percent of NATO military expenditures.

During a speech Thursday, the secretary - general NATO, Mark Rutte, called on Europeans to pressure its governments to increase defence spending.

Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation. With Ukraine, and with us”, he added.