In a marked shift from his earlier statements, former President Donald Trump recently expressed confidence that Ukraine can reclaim its territory from Russia. This development comes after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump noted his change of perspective after gaining a better understanding of the military and economic dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s message emphasized the economic strain the conflict has placed on Russia, suggesting that this presents an opportunity for Ukraine, with robust backing from the European Union, to reclaim its lost lands. This position diverges from his previous stance, wherein he suggested that Ukraine might need to make territorial concessions to achieve peace.
Recently, Trump had convened discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House, advising talks around territorial exchanges based on the current frontlines. However, specifics on what Russia might offer in exchange for keeping parts of Ukrainian territory have remained vague.
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, Russia has annexed approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory. In his latest remarks, Trump criticized Russia’s economic vulnerabilities, describing it as a “paper tiger,” asserting that this is an opportune moment for Ukraine to act decisively.
This change in Trump’s rhetoric reflects a hopeful outlook for Ukraine amidst the conflict and suggests a more unified international front in support of Ukrainian sovereignty. His comments underscore the significant pressure on Russia and highlight the potential for Ukraine to regain control over its territories with continued international support.