A Major Policy Reversal from the Former U.S. President
In a striking policy reversal, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine has the ability to win back “all of Ukraine in its original form” with the backing of NATO and the European Union. The announcement came Tuesday in a Truth Social post, shortly after Trump’s high-profile meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Trump’s statement marks a sharp departure from his earlier position that Ukraine should consider giving up some territory to Russia as part of a peace deal. Calling Russia a “paper tiger” involved in an “aimless war,” Trump suggested that Moscow’s military campaign has revealed deep weaknesses.
From Territorial Concessions to Full Victory
Just weeks ago, Trump’s position on Ukraine looked very different. In August, he publicly endorsed a message on Truth Social claiming “Ukraine must be willing to lose some territory to Russia.” His stance was reinforced after his August 15 summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where he promoted land-for-peace deals as a practical solution.
However, Tuesday’s declaration represented a full pivot. “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,” Trump wrote. He even hinted that Kyiv could go “further than that” in reclaiming its strength on the battlefield.
Collapse of Peace Negotiations with Russia
Trump’s reversal comes after months of unsuccessful peace efforts with the Kremlin. His January initiative to mediate a ceasefire collapsed at the Alaska summit, where his much-anticipated six-hour meeting with Putin ended after just three and a half hours without any breakthrough.
Although Trump had threatened “serious repercussions” if Putin refused to negotiate, no follow-up actions materialized after the failed talks. The Russian president showed little interest in Trump’s proposal for direct negotiations with Zelensky, leaving the peace track at a standstill.
Speaking to reporters after his UN meetings, Trump admitted disappointment. “I thought ending this war was going to be the easiest one because of my relationship with Putin,” he said. “Unfortunately, that relationship didn’t mean anything.”
Warm Reception with Zelensky at the UN
Trump’s meeting with President Zelensky in New York was notably different from their tense White House encounter earlier this year. In February, Trump had criticized Zelensky, claiming Ukraine lacked “the cards” to win the conflict.
This time, however, the tone was cordial. Trump praised Kyiv’s resilience, stating: “We have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It’s pretty amazing actually.” Zelensky, in return, thanked Trump for his “personal efforts to stop this war” and reported progress on the front lines. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian forces had pushed forward by 360 kilometers in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian leader has consistently rejected the idea of ceding any land to Russia, insisting that the country’s sovereignty must be fully restored.
Trump Urges Stronger NATO Response
During his remarks Tuesday, Trump also called for a tougher NATO stance against Russian aggression. Referring to recent violations of Estonian airspace by Russian jets, he argued that alliance members should take stronger defensive measures, including shooting down aircraft that cross into their territories without authorization.
This suggestion underscores Trump’s new emphasis on standing firmly with NATO allies and Ukraine, a position that contrasts with his previous skepticism about U.S. commitments to European defense.
What Trump’s Shift Means for the Ukraine Conflict
Trump’s unexpected pivot is likely to reshape debates in Washington and beyond. Analysts note that his earlier advocacy for territorial concessions aligned more closely with Moscow’s interests, while his latest comments align more directly with Kyiv’s long-standing demands and NATO’s broader objectives.
For Ukraine, Trump’s words represent a symbolic boost as the war drags on. While the conflict remains far from resolution, Trump’s endorsement of full territorial restoration could signal greater Western unity around Kyiv’s ultimate goal: reclaiming every inch of its internationally recognized borders.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s dramatic turnaround on Ukraine highlights both the complexity of the ongoing war and the evolving calculations of world leaders. Once a proponent of compromise with Moscow, Trump now insists that Kyiv can reclaim all of its land — and perhaps more — with support from NATO and the European Union.
Whether this shift reflects a long-term commitment or a strategic political move remains to be seen. What is clear is that Trump’s latest declaration injects new energy into Ukraine’s diplomatic and military campaigns, while signaling a harder line against Russia’s continued aggression.
