“Russia and President Vladimir Putin are facing major economic troubles, and this is Ukraine’s moment to act. With EU support, Ukraine is now in a position to fight and reclaim its original territory,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on September 23.
He argued that Russia has been “fighting without purpose” for more than three years and is no longer a formidable nuclear power. Trump reaffirmed U.S. commitment to supply weapons for NATO allies, suggesting Europe could use American arms to support Ukraine. He also said NATO nations had the right to shoot down Russian jets violating their airspace, after several Eastern European states accused Moscow of incursions — claims Russia denies.
The remarks mark a sharp departure from Trump’s earlier position that Ukraine should cede territory for peace. President Volodymyr Zelensky, surprised by the shift, called it a “major change.”
Some European leaders, however, expressed caution, worried Trump’s message — with repeated references to the EU and NATO, ending with “Good luck to all!” — hinted at distancing Washington from the conflict, which he continues to blame on Joe Biden.
Russia’s deputy UN envoy Dmitry Polyanskiy dismissed Trump’s comments: “Don’t get too excited about every one of his posts.”
Trump’s statement came after meeting Zelensky at the UN in New York, where the Ukrainian leader shared recent battlefield gains despite Russian advances in the east. Zelensky later described the discussion as “good and constructive,” noting Trump’s willingness to offer security guarantees once the war ends.
According to Zelensky, Trump’s influence could make him a “game changer” for Ukraine.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has pushed to broker an end to the war. He met Putin in Alaska on August 15, then hosted Zelensky and European leaders in Washington on August 18, though these efforts have yet to yield concrete results.