US President Donald Trump expressed confidence on Tuesday that Ukraine can reclaim all territory lost to Russia, a notable change from his earlier stance. Speaking after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump stated that with support from the European Union and NATO, Ukraine is in a strong position to win back its original borders.
In a detailed post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, "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 criticized Russia's military efforts, claiming they have been ineffective and have exposed weaknesses. He described Russia as a "paper tiger," suggesting that public discontent within Russia could lead to significant changes.
Trump highlighted the economic troubles facing Russia, including shortages and long fuel lines, as signs of strain. He urged Ukraine to act decisively, stating, "Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act." Despite his strong words against Russia, he concluded with a message of goodwill for both nations, wishing them well.
Zelenskyy, who has been seeking increased US support against Russian aggression, responded positively to Trump's remarks. The two leaders, who have had a complicated relationship in the past, appeared to have a cordial meeting. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Trump's efforts to assist Ukraine and discussed the need for security guarantees.
As the conflict continues, Trump reiterated his belief that the war was supposed to be a quick victory for Russia, stating, "It shows you what leadership is, what bad leadership can do to a country." He emphasized the importance of European nations halting imports of Russian oil and suggested that strong tariffs could help end the conflict swiftly.
The ongoing war has resulted in significant civilian casualties in Ukraine, with reports indicating a 40% increase in civilian deaths in the first eight months of this year compared to the previous year. The situation remains critical as Ukraine continues to face a relentless assault from Russian forces.