On Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump ascended to the roof of one of the buildings at the White House and made light of the possibility of installing „nuclear rockets” there. This remark comes amidst escalating tensions with Russia, to which he has delivered an ultimatum to cease hostilities in Ukraine by Friday. This follows a dialogue with former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev regarding nuclear arms, as reported by AFP.
Accompanied by security personnel and safeguarded by snipers, Trump spent approximately twenty minutes on the roof of the White House press room. Under the vigilant gaze of numerous journalists assembled below at a secure distance, he reviewed the area designated for a new events hall to be built, according to Agerpres.
When questioned about his intentions for the location, Trump humorously replied: „Rockets.” He went on to add, „Nuclear rockets,” and acted out the motion of launching a rocket with his hand.
Furthermore, the former real estate tycoon mentioned that he is personally financing the renovations he envisions at the White House.
„This is simply another means of investing my money for the benefit of the country,” stated Trump, who in recent weeks has notably altered his rhetoric towards Russia.
He announced last Tuesday that he was granting Russian President Vladimir Putin ten days to halt the conflict in Ukraine, shortening the 50-day ultimatum he had proclaimed on July 14. He warned that if Russia fails to achieve a ceasefire with Ukraine by August 8, it will encounter new American sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russian oil imports.
Former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev asserted that such an ultimatum could precipitate direct conflict between Russia and the U.S., reminding Trump of Russia’s nuclear capabilities as a potential last resort. The American president reacted with anger to the Russian leader’s remarks and declared on Friday that he had ordered the mobilization of two nuclear submarines, without disclosing their locations. In the meantime, the Kremlin sought to de-escalate the situation, advising that „great caution” is necessary regarding nuclear threats.