According to Xinhua News Agency, US President Trump stated on the 23rd that he now believes Ukraine, with the support of the European Union and NATO, can “win back all of Ukraine” from Russia and “restore the status quo ante.”
This statement represents a significant shift in Trump’s political stance. Previously, the president had repeatedly stated that giving up some land would be a key component of resolving the war between Ukraine and Russia.
That same day, Trump published a lengthy post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that after fully understanding the military and economic conditions of Ukraine and Russia, and the economic difficulties this has caused for Russia, “I believe Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is fully capable of overcoming any difficulties and ultimately restoring the status quo ante.”
He believes that with financial support from the European Union and, especially, military support from NATO, along with time and patience, returning to the original borders at the beginning of this war is a “perfectly viable option.”
“Russia has fought aimlessly for three and a half years in a war that a true military power could have won in less than a week. This does not make Russia stand out. In fact, it makes them look like a ‘paper tiger,'” he wrote.
Trump also stated that when residents of Moscow and cities, towns, and regions across Russia learn the truth about this war, how impossible it is to get gas through the long lines, and everything else going on in their wartime economy, most of their money is being spent on the war with Ukraine. And Ukraine has a great spirit and will only get better.
“Ukraine will be able to take back its country in its original form, and who knows, maybe even further! Putin and Russia are facing huge economic difficulties, and now is the time for Ukraine to act. In any case, I wish both countries well. We will continue to provide weapons to NATO and let NATO do what it wants. Good luck to everyone!” he wrote.
When asked about Trump’s post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters: “This is a big change. This post is a big change. Very positive.”
The post came after Trump met with Zelensky, his fifth of his second term, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Before the closed-door meeting, Trump told reporters that he supported NATO countries shooting down any Russian aircraft that violated their airspace. When asked whether the United States would support NATO allies, he said it would “depend” on the specific circumstances.
Trump also offered the latest comments in response to media reports, stating that there seemed to be no end in sight to the conflict. He said, “It doesn’t look like it’s going to end for a very long time.”
Last month, Trump stated at the White House that negotiations had taken place regarding a possible “exchange” of territory between Russia and Ukraine as part of a ceasefire agreement.
“We’re actually looking for some returns and some exchanges. It’s complicated. It’s not easy. It’s very complicated. But we’re going to get some back. We’re going to change some. We’re going to exchange some territory…” he said at the time.
