President Trump made headlines on Tuesday by expressing his belief that Ukraine can reclaim all territory lost during the ongoing conflict with Russia. This statement follows a significant meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York, marking a remarkable shift in Trump's stance on the war. Previously, he had suggested that Zelensky lacked the necessary leverage, arguing that time was not in Ukraine's favor and asserting that Russia was gaining the upper hand.
For months, Donald Trump has been vocal about his skepticism regarding Ukraine's chances of winning the war. He has even encouraged the Ukrainian president to consider making territorial concessions to Russia as a means to facilitate a peace agreement. However, after engaging with Zelensky and gaining deeper insights into the military and economic landscapes of the conflict, Trump appears to have changed his tune.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia military and economic situation, and after seeing the economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form." He emphasized that with time, patience, and continued financial backing from Europe, particularly NATO, Ukraine could potentially restore its original borders.
Trump characterized the Russian military as a "paper tiger," asserting that the Russian populace is largely unaware of the severe economic repercussions that President Vladimir Putin has inflicted upon the country. He noted, "Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act." Trump's commitment to supporting NATO, particularly in supplying weapons, indicates a broader strategy to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.
President Zelensky reacted positively to Trump's statements, describing the U.S. president's shift in perspective as a "game-changer." He acknowledged the significance of Trump's comments during a press briefing at the UN, highlighting them as a major step forward. Zelensky also expressed readiness to offer security guarantees to Ukraine once the conflict concludes.
Trump's assertion that Ukraine might reclaim its territory—and possibly even more—raises eyebrows on the international stage. The idea that Ukraine could retake regions such as Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, is likely to provoke a severe reaction from Putin and could result in escalated threats from pro-Kremlin hardliners.
In light of stagnant negotiations, tensions between NATO and Russia have surged in recent weeks. NATO has accused Russia of breaching the airspace of member states like Poland and Estonia, and Norway reported three violations of its airspace by Russia in 2025. During his meeting with Zelensky, Trump voiced his support for NATO's right to intercept Russian aircraft entering allied airspace, although he cautioned that U.S. assistance would be conditional based on specific circumstances.
As the conflict continues to unfold, Trump's evolving stance on Ukraine's potential to win the war against Russia could have significant implications for future diplomatic relations and military strategies in the region. The unfolding situation remains critical as both nations navigate the complexities of ongoing hostilities.
