President Donald Trump surprised allies and adversaries alike on Tuesday by saying he believes Ukraine can regain all of the land seized by Russia, a shift from his previous stance that Kyiv would likely need to give up territory to end the war.
The new comments came after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shortly afterward, Trump posted on social media that “Ukraine, with the support of the European Union and NATO, is in a position to fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form.” He even suggested Ukraine might “go further,” though he did not specify what that would mean.
This statement diverged from Trump’s long-held position that negotiations with Moscow would require some form of land concessions, including Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. As recently as last month, after talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump said he expected “land-swapping” to be part of a deal.
The change drew quick reaction. Zelenskyy called it a “big shift” and welcomed what he described as a clearer alignment between Washington and Kyiv. He noted that Trump appeared more familiar with battlefield realities and said it was a “positive signal” for Ukraine’s struggle. Members of Zelenskyy’s party in parliament echoed the cautious optimism, while opposition figures warned that Trump’s unpredictability required measured expectations.
Russia dismissed the new tone. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Trump’s remarks were influenced by Zelenskyy and argued that the front lines showed Ukraine could not push Russia out. He rejected the “paper tiger” label Trump used for Moscow, insisting Russia remained resilient both militarily and economically.
Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened tensions between NATO and Russia. In recent weeks, Russian aircraft and drones have violated airspace in Poland, Estonia, and Romania, prompting NATO consultations and warnings. Trump told reporters that NATO nations should shoot down intruding aircraft. Asked if the United States would back such moves, he said it would “depend on the circumstance” but praised the alliance for stepping up defense spending commitments.
At the UN, Trump also criticized European countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, saying they are “funding a war against themselves.” Zelenskyy echoed the call for tighter sanctions, saying he believed more pressure on Russia’s energy sector was essential.
European leaders offered mixed responses. French President Emmanuel Macron called Trump’s comments “very right” and urged full backing for Ukraine while Russia’s economy is strained. Other European officials welcomed the rhetorical shift but expressed uncertainty over whether it would translate into new U.S. actions.
For now, Trump’s position appears to emphasize continued U.S. arms sales to NATO allies, which can then supply Ukraine. There has been no indication of new American sanctions or direct military aid beyond existing arrangements.
Trump has often changed course on foreign policy, and officials noted that the coming weeks will reveal whether his latest remarks represent a durable commitment or another tactical adjustment. For Kyiv, however, the message that Washington now sees full territorial recovery as possible provided a boost on a stage where global attention was focused.
Green = NATO Countries
Ukraine = Blue
Russia = Red
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