Former US President Donald Trump has recently declared that Kyiv has the potential to win all of Ukraine back in its original form, showcasing a notable shift in his perspective on the ongoing conflict with Russia. This statement was made via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he elaborated that Ukraine could reclaim its original borders with adequate support from NATO and European allies amidst apparent economic pressures on Russia.
These comments followed a dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after Trump’s speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. Historically, Trump has often emphasized his desire to conclude the war, though he hinted that this resolution might require Ukraine to concede some territories, a proposition that Zelensky has firmly opposed.
Recently, Trump noted that his views have changed after gaining a deeper understanding of the military and economic circumstances surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, stating, Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. His proposal included the possibility that Ukraine could even achieve more than just reclaiming its former territories, although he refrained from elaborating on what that entails.
In the context of NATO, Trump previously urged member nations to take a more robust stance against Russian airspace violations, following several incidents involving Russian aircraft intruding into NATO territories. He expressed that the US's support for its NATO partners would depend on the circumstances but acknowledged NATO's escalated defense spending commitments.
Trump’s latest remarks indicate a significant pivot from his earlier, more pessimistic views on Ukraine’s abilities, which he characterized as dire just months prior. His evolving stance may introduce new dynamics in the continuing negotiations and military actions in the region, particularly as he assures that the US will continue arms support to NATO, potentially allowing these resources to reach Ukraine.