In a significant shift in his rhetoric on the war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday night, September 23 that he believes Ukraine can win back all of the territory Russia has taken since its invasion. His statement on social media came after he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.
Previously, Trump had suggested that both Kyiv and Moscow would have to cede land to end the conflict. However, in a post on his Truth Social platform, he offered a more optimistic outlook for Ukraine.
“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,” Trump wrote.
The U.S. President also criticized Russia, stating it had been fighting “aimlessly” and that a “real military power” would have won the war in less than a week.
While Trump did not specify how his new position would affect U.S. policy, he hinted at stronger action. “Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act,” his post read.
He also confirmed that the U.S. will continue to supply weapons to allies “for NATO to do what they want with them.”
