In a dramatic reversal on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump declared that Ukraine could reclaim all its territory from Russia, signaling a stunning shift in his stance on the prolonged conflict. His announcement followed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations, where Trump expressed optimism about Kyiv’s chances if supported by the European Union and NATO. The comments marked a major change from his earlier suggestions that Ukraine might need to cede land to Moscow.
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Zelensky welcomed Trump’s unexpected words as a “big shift,” emphasizing that such support could reinvigorate Ukrainian morale and efforts on the battlefield. Trump further called on NATO members to shoot down Russian fighter jets if they violated allied airspace, responding to a series of recent Russian incursions that have alarmed Eastern European countries. His suggestion underscored a tougher tone toward Moscow than previously seen, particularly after months of more cautious or critical remarks regarding Ukraine’s capabilities.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Ukraine, with EU and NATO backing, could “fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form” and even hinted that Kyiv could “maybe even go further.” While he did not clarify this cryptic statement, analysts speculated it could imply reclaiming disputed areas or increasing pressure on Russia beyond current battle lines. His comments follow a period of growing frustration with President Vladimir Putin after a failed summit in Alaska on August 15, which was followed by intensified Russian attacks.
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The president admitted that his earlier faith in a personal bond with Putin had not delivered results, saying, “Unfortunately, that relationship didn’t mean anything.” He added that his change of heart came after better understanding the military and economic dynamics of the war and observing the severe economic strain on Russia. “Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act,” Trump wrote, describing Russia as a “paper tiger” rather than a formidable nuclear power.
However, Trump’s remarks also raised concerns among European allies. While he pledged to continue providing weapons to NATO for Ukraine’s defense, his closing remark — “Good luck to all!” — sparked speculation that he might be signaling reduced US involvement. Still, his support for NATO countries taking decisive action against Russian aggression suggests a more aggressive posture toward Moscow. Zelensky, meanwhile, warned of Russian drone incursions probing NATO defenses, urging Western unity to counter potential threats to European security.