U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Ukraine has the capacity to win back all of its territory from Russia, marking a dramatic departure from his earlier stance that suggested territorial concessions might be necessary for peace.
Speaking after a one-hour meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr. Trump described Russia as a “paper tiger” and insisted Europe’s support could help Ukraine restore its “original borders.” He added that Russia’s economic struggles made the moment ripe for Ukraine to press its advantage.
The comments caught Zelenskyy off guard. Asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier whether he was surprised by Trump’s declaration, the Ukrainian leader replied with a laugh, “a little bit.” He welcomed the shift as a “positive signal,” adding that his American counterpart now seemed to recognize that territorial swaps would not be a fair or viable solution.
Zelenskyy’s Response and Changing Dynamics
During their meeting, Zelenskyy and Mr. Trump reportedly held constructive talks, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of continued international support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy told reporters that he sensed a change in Washington’s approach: “I think he understands for today that we can’t just swap territories. It’s not fair.”
The Ukrainian president also suggested that Trump’s evolving perspective may have been shaped by disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week, Trump said Putin had “really let me down” for continuing strikes on Ukraine. Zelenskyy added that Trump’s acknowledgment of Russia’s economic challenges could be a turning point in strengthening Ukraine’s position.
Although their relationship has been tense in the past—including a heated Oval Office exchange earlier this year—Zelenskyy said he now believes U.S.-Ukrainian relations have improved. “I think we have better relations than before,” he remarked.
War Outlook and Trump Administration Role
Despite the renewed optimism, Trump acknowledged the war is unlikely to end soon. He told reporters in New York that the conflict “looks like it’s not going to end for a long time.” Still, he urged NATO members to bolster their support for Ukraine, including imposing harsher economic measures on Russia and even shooting down Russian aircraft if they violate allied airspace.
Donald has pressed for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine throughout his second term, but efforts have been unsuccessful. Moscow has demanded Ukrainian withdrawal from occupied territories, while Kyiv continues to reject any settlement that would legitimize Russian control over its land.
For now, Zelenskyy views Trump’s new stance as a sign that Washington is willing to stand firmly with Ukraine. “It is a big shift,” he said, noting that security guarantees—though not yet defined—remain central to Ukraine’s future once the war ends.
