(NEW YORK) – Donald Trump has signalled a sharp shift in his rhetoric on the war in Ukraine, backing Kyiv’s ambition to reclaim all its territory, including Crimea. The White House occupant, who once claimed he could end the conflict within 24 hours, said Russia had revealed itself to be a “paper tiger” unable to achieve its objectives.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump appeared to ridicule Russia’s military failures, noting that dictator Vladimir Putin had not been able to secure Ukraine in a matter of days as initially expected. He suggested that Ukraine, with support from European partners, could win back all of its land in its “original form”.
The remarks, posted later on his Truth Social platform, mark a notable departure from his earlier ambiguous stance on the war. Trump stated: “After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine-Russia military and economic situation, and after seeing the economic trouble it’s causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form.”
This new position followed a meeting in New York with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Trump described as a “brave man”. He praised Ukraine’s military strength and suggested Moscow’s position was now unsustainable. Analysts viewed the comments as a calculated attempt to belittle Putin by casting doubt on Russia’s global stature.
Zelensky responded positively, calling Trump’s remarks “a game changer”. Speaking to reporters, he said: “I think he is closer now to this situation. There are not too many players in the world who can be game changers, but he is the closest to this.” Ukraine continues to insist that no peace deal can include recognition of Russian control over occupied regions, including Crimea.
Trump also called on European countries to halt oil imports from Russia. Reports suggest further US sanctions are being considered in Washington, while Ukraine used the UN meetings to promote plans for a summit dedicated to Crimea.
His speech at the UN was not limited to Ukraine. He delivered a fierce critique of the organisation itself, questioning its relevance. He claimed that the UN had offered him no support during what he described as attempts to “save millions of lives” by ending global conflicts. Trump quipped that all he received from the institution was “a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter”.
The remarks fit into a long standing pattern of scepticism towards the UN from Trump, whose administration has withheld significant funding. The speech also featured familiar themes, including attacks on European immigration policies and scepticism about climate change.
Observers noted that Trump faced no open laughter from delegates, unlike in 2018 when some mocked his claims about his administration’s achievements. This year, the tone was different, with some diplomats even laughing at his jokes.
Zelensky’s persistence in maintaining a dialogue with Trump, despite a strained relationship early in his administration, is being described by analysts as a diplomatic success. Following a fractious White House meeting in February, Ukraine’s leader has worked to secure Trump’s support, presenting Ukraine as determined to fight with or without US backing.
French President Emmanuel Macron also made headlines at the UN after being delayed in New York traffic by Trump’s motorcade. Macron used the occasion to hold an impromptu discussion with Trump about Gaza, signalling that despite tensions over France’s recognition of a Palestinian state, channels of communication remain open.
