Trump shifts stance, backs Ukraine reclaiming full territory from Russia at UN meet

United Nations: President Donald Trump said Tuesday he believed Ukraine could win back all territory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from his earlier calls for Kyiv to make concessions to end the war.

Trump posted on social media soon after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

“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," Trump wrote. "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.”

For Zelenskyy, who has urged Trump to keep up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, the strengthened support marked a major win.

“Trump is a game changer by himself,” Zelenskyy told reporters after their meeting.

Needling Russia and NATO stance

Trump, going back to his 2024 campaign, had insisted he would quickly end the war. His diplomatic blitz last month, which included a summit with Putin and meetings with Zelenskyy and European allies, has yet to deliver results.

In his UN speech, Trump said Russia was “fighting aimlessly” and “look like a paper tiger.” He added, “The only question now is how many lives will be needlessly lost on both sides.”

Before his talks with Zelenskyy, Trump remarked that “the Russian economy is terrible right now.” Zelenskyy backed Trump’s call for Europe to halt Russian oil and natural gas imports.

Shift from land swap to sanctions

Before meeting Putin in Alaska last month, Trump had suggested “some land swapping” would be necessary for peace. Putin demanded control of Donetsk and Luhansk, while Zelenskyy and European leaders insisted on territorial integrity.

Following these meetings, Trump announced plans for direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy, but Moscow intensified its bombardment instead. European and US lawmakers have since pressed Trump for tougher sanctions.

Trump told the UN General Assembly, “In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs, which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly.”

Push for Europe to act

Trump repeated his call for Europe to “step it up” and cut Russian oil imports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed more sanctions and reduced energy imports were on the way.

Zelenskyy, speaking at a UN Security Council session, said, “Moscow fears America and always pays attention to it.”

Meanwhile, NATO will consult after Estonia reported Russian fighter jets entering its airspace. Trump said he would back NATO countries shooting down intruding planes, though US involvement would depend on circumstances.

Human toll continues in Ukraine

The war, which began on Feb 24, 2022, continues to claim lives. Russia said it intercepted three dozen Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow, while Ukraine reported Russian strikes killed at least two civilians.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said Ukrainian civilian casualties rose 40% in the first eight months of this year compared with 2024, due to intensified missile and drone strikes.