US President Donald Trump has said Kyiv can win all of Ukraine back in its original form, marking a major shift in his position on the war with Russia.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, he asserted that Ukraine could reclaim the original borders from where this war started with support from Europe and NATO, citing pressures on Russia's economy.
These remarks came following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Trump addressed the UN General Assembly in New York.
Trump has historically expressed a desire for a swift resolution to the conflict, often suggesting that achieving peace may require some territorial concessions from Ukraine—a stance that Zelensky has consistently rejected.
He added that Ukraine could maybe even go further than that but did not elaborate. Notably, he made no mention of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, attributed Trump's change of tone to his recent discussions with Zelensky, while asserting that the idea of Ukraine regaining territory was misguided. Peskov referred to Russia's military situation, indicating confidence in its position on the frontline.
Trump attributed his revised views to a better understanding of the Ukraine/Russia military and economic landscape, claiming that Russia is in BIG Economic trouble—characterizing it as a paper tiger.
In response, Peskov dismissed the notion of Russia being weakened, insisting that it is not in economic turmoil but recognizes certain pressures due to global sanctions.
Zelensky welcomed Trump's shift, saying he understood the US was ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine post-conflict, although specific details about this support remain vague.
During a later interview, Zelensky described Trump's assertion about Ukraine's recovery as surprising yet hopeful, interpreting it as a positive indication of ongoing US support until the war concludes.
Trump's newfound optimism contrasts sharply with his bleak assessments earlier this year, where he remarked on Ukraine's dire position in the conflict. His remarks imply that heightened arms sales to NATO allies could bolster Ukraine’s capabilities.
This shift in tone may be an attempt to energize stagnant peace negotiations, signaling a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict as pressure mounts on the Russian economy.
