Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a significant change in his position regarding the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv can indeed reclaim all of its territory within its original borders. This statement comes as a departure from some of his previous remarks, which had hinted at potential territorial concessions.
In a social media post, Trump expressed his belief that Ukraine, with the backing of Europe and NATO, can recover the land lost since the start of the conflict. He attributed this potential shift to the economic pressures currently facing Russia, describing the nation as a “paper tiger.”
These comments followed discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, occurring shortly after Trump’s address at the UN General Assembly in New York. Trump had previously voiced a desire to end the war but had also suggested that a resolution might involve Ukraine ceding some territory, a stance that President Zelensky has consistently rejected.
When questioned about the specifics of his statement, Trump did not explicitly mention Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, or the ongoing full-scale invasion launched in 2022. However, he emphasized that his evolving perspective was based on a deeper understanding of the military and economic situation between Ukraine and Russia.
The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, reacted to Trump’s remarks, suggesting that the former president’s views might have been influenced by his conversation with President Zelensky. Peskov countered Trump’s ‘paper tiger’ analogy by comparing Russia to a bear, stating there is no such thing as a “paper bear,” and downplayed the impact of economic sanctions, though he acknowledged certain “points of tension.”
President Zelensky welcomed Trump’s statement as a “big shift,” indicating that the U.S. might be willing to provide Ukraine with security guarantees post-war, although specific details remain unclear. He also touched upon the possibility of increased military aid, including advanced weaponry and air defense systems.
Trump’s evolving stance on the conflict highlights the unpredictable nature of his foreign policy. His comments also come amidst discussions on NATO’s response to recent airspace violations by Russian aircraft, with Trump suggesting that NATO allies should take defensive action.
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