President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that he believes Ukraine can win its war against Russia outright, marking a dramatic shift in tone with significant implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Trump shared his views on Truth Social following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
“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. “With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original borders from where this war started is very much an option.”
A Sharp Reversal
The remarks contrast sharply with Trump’s previous position that Ukraine would need to cede territory to Russia to end the conflict. Moscow currently holds about one-fifth of Ukraine after invading three and a half years ago, and the war has devolved into a prolonged struggle of attrition.
Trump described Russia as a “paper tiger” and suggested Russian citizens are largely unaware of the damage President Vladimir Putin has inflicted on their country. He praised Ukraine’s “Great Spirit” and indicated that Kyiv might even reclaim more territory than it originally lost.
U.S. Military Support
Trump reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to provide advanced weaponry to NATO, which could then support Ukraine, a move that could shift the war’s balance.
“This commitment … tremendously changes the military equation for Russia,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a Trump ally and hawkish Republican.
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, echoed the president’s optimism: “President Trump and I believe Ukraine can win – a fact President Biden avoided saying for years. It is time to ramp up pressure on Putin to end this senseless bloodshed.”
Zelensky thanked Trump for a “productive” meeting at the U.N., praising the president’s understanding of the war and commitment to ending it.
Diplomatic Context
Trump’s comments come after a high-stakes summit with Putin in Alaska last month, which yielded no formal agreements but a cordial tone. The president has since met with Zelensky and European leaders to discuss potential cease-fire arrangements and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Tensions remain high, with NATO convening Tuesday at Estonia’s request after Russian aircraft violated its airspace. Trump advised NATO allies to consider shooting down Russian planes if they enter their airspace — a move that could escalate the conflict significantly.
At the United Nations
Earlier Tuesday, Trump addressed the U.N. General Assembly, criticizing the organization for inaction on global conflicts. He highlighted seven peace agreements he has brokered and pressed European nations to reduce reliance on Russian energy, which funds Moscow’s war efforts.
Trump also proposed tariffs on Russia — and potentially China and India — aimed at curbing funding for Russia’s war, contingent on European cooperation.
What This Means
Trump’s new stance signals a more aggressive U.S. posture toward supporting Ukraine and a potential recalibration of NATO’s involvement. It also sets the stage for heightened tensions with Russia while testing the reactions of European allies and his own administration’s advisors.
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