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 noted that Ukraine could reclaim 'the original borders from where this war started' with the support of Europe and NATO, citing pressures on Russia's economy.
His comments followed discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Trump addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. Previously, Trump indicated that ending the war might involve Ukraine conceding some territorial claims, a stance that Zelensky consistently opposed.
Now, Trump believes that Ukraine could potentially go beyond its original borders, although he did not elaborate, nor did he mention Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested Trump's altered tone was influenced by his recent conversations with Zelensky, asserting that Ukraine's ability to fight back is misguided.
Trump stated that his views evolved after understanding the current military and economic situation between the two nations. He described Russia as a 'paper tiger', arguing it is facing significant economic challenges, and added that this moment presents an opportunity for Ukraine to act.
The Kremlin dismissed Trump's assessment, emphasizing that Russia remains a formidable power, contrary to Trump's characterization. However, Zelensky regarded Trump's comments as a significant shift, highlighting that the US could provide Ukraine with security guarantees post-war, potentially including further military support.
During subsequent interviews, Zelensky expressed surprise at Trump's remarks but framed them as a positive development for Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russia. Trump's latest stance differs considerably from his earlier claims regarding Ukraine's dire situation, indicating a complex and shifting narrative in international responses to the conflict.
His comments followed discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Trump addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. Previously, Trump indicated that ending the war might involve Ukraine conceding some territorial claims, a stance that Zelensky consistently opposed.
Now, Trump believes that Ukraine could potentially go beyond its original borders, although he did not elaborate, nor did he mention Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested Trump's altered tone was influenced by his recent conversations with Zelensky, asserting that Ukraine's ability to fight back is misguided.
Trump stated that his views evolved after understanding the current military and economic situation between the two nations. He described Russia as a 'paper tiger', arguing it is facing significant economic challenges, and added that this moment presents an opportunity for Ukraine to act.
The Kremlin dismissed Trump's assessment, emphasizing that Russia remains a formidable power, contrary to Trump's characterization. However, Zelensky regarded Trump's comments as a significant shift, highlighting that the US could provide Ukraine with security guarantees post-war, potentially including further military support.
During subsequent interviews, Zelensky expressed surprise at Trump's remarks but framed them as a positive development for Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russia. Trump's latest stance differs considerably from his earlier claims regarding Ukraine's dire situation, indicating a complex and shifting narrative in international responses to the conflict.
