Trump now says Ukraine can win back all territory lost to Russia

 

Donald Trump Shifts Stance on Ukraine War After Meeting Zelenskiy

In a surprising turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump altered his public stance on the war in Ukraine this week. On Tuesday, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the U.N. General Assembly, Trump suggested that Ukraine could potentially reclaim all territories seized by Russia since the invasion began. This marks a notable departure from his previous position, where he advocated for territorial compromises between Kyiv and Moscow to end the conflict.

Trump’s Comments on Truth Social

Trump shared his perspective in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote, “With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original borders from where this war started, is very much an option.” The message signals his acknowledgment of Ukraine’s right to regain its territory, although he did not provide specifics on how this would influence U.S. foreign policy or military support.

Previously, Trump had suggested that a resolution to the war might require Ukraine and Russia to make territorial concessions. This sudden shift comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by Kyiv to secure international backing and increased sanctions on Russia.

Zelenskiy’s Push for Greater Support

President Zelenskiy has been actively urging world leaders, including Trump, to strengthen support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. Ukrainian officials have emphasized the importance of imposing stricter sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow into ending the conflict.

Many Ukrainians were taken aback by Trump’s earlier approach toward Russia, particularly his mid-August meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which they perceived as overly conciliatory. The concern remains that without strong external pressure, Russia may not cease hostilities in Ukraine.

Criticism of Russia’s Military Strategy

In his Truth Social post, Trump criticized Russia’s handling of the war, describing it as “aimless” and claiming that a “real military power” could have concluded the conflict within a week. Despite this criticism, Trump has yet to announce additional sanctions or military measures against Russia. Previously, he and his aides indicated that Kyiv might need to relinquish both Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine to secure a peace deal.

Hints at Stronger Action

Tuesday’s post, however, suggested a potential shift toward more robust support for Ukraine. Trump stated, “Putin and Russia are in BIG economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act.” While he did not outline specific actions, the message implied that the international community, particularly NATO and its allies, could seize this moment to reinforce Ukraine’s position.

Trump also affirmed that the U.S. would continue supplying weapons to allies, leaving the operational use to NATO. This approach signals a willingness to empower Ukraine and other allies without committing directly to frontline military engagement.

What This Means for the Conflict

Trump’s recent remarks may signal a subtle recalibration in his foreign policy approach to the Ukraine war. While he has yet to commit to new sanctions or explicit U.S. intervention, his acknowledgment of Ukraine’s ability to reclaim lost territory aligns more closely with Kyiv’s goals.

Observers will be watching closely to see whether Trump’s rhetoric translates into concrete support, including additional military aid, economic measures against Russia, or diplomatic efforts to bolster Ukraine’s negotiating position.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s pivot on Ukraine underscores the evolving international stance on the conflict and reflects growing pressure on world leaders to support Kyiv’s efforts. With Russia facing economic challenges and Ukraine pushing for stronger backing, the global community’s next steps could have a significant impact on the war’s trajectory.