As world leaders gather in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly this week, President Donald Trump has made a striking pivot in his stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Just weeks after proposing a plan that would have seen Ukraine cede territory to Russia, Trump now claims Kyiv is capable of reclaiming all its lost lands—and potentially more.
The president shared his updated view on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon, stressing that with European and NATO support, Ukraine could restore its original borders.
From Peace Plan to Military Backing
This sudden reversal comes just over a month after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a possible peace deal.
At the time, he appeared open to Ukraine relinquishing control of regions such as Donetsk in exchange for a ceasefire.
Now, Trump argues that Russia is weakened economically and militarily, describing the Kremlin as a “paper tiger” incapable of sustaining its war effort.
He emphasized that a truly powerful military could have ended the conflict in days, implying Russia does not meet that standard.
Strengthening NATO and European Support
Trump did not stop at words. He pledged to supply NATO with additional weapons to help sustain Ukraine’s defense, including munitions and vehicles.
He also encouraged European allies to be ready to shoot down Russian aircraft if they violated NATO airspace, signaling a readiness to back allies militarily if provoked.
“Do you think NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace?” a reporter asked.
“Yes, I do,” Trump replied. When asked whether the U.S. would support such actions, he added, “It depends on the circumstance, but we’re very strong towards NATO.”
Rising Tensions After Airspace Violations
Trump’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in Eastern Europe.
Russian jets and drones have recently entered NATO airspace multiple times this month, including Estonia, Romania, and Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the incursions “large-scale provocations” and warned that Warsaw would act decisively to defend its territory.
Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski also issued a stern message to the UN Security Council, emphasizing that any unauthorized aircraft or missiles entering Polish airspace risk being shot down.
Trump Meets Zelensky and Pushes for Action
During his UN meetings, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reiterated his belief that Kyiv “can fight too” and reclaim its territory. The president has grown increasingly frustrated with the war and Putin’s reluctance to negotiate a resolution.
Trump’s meeting with Zelensky came on the heels of his August summit with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska—the first U.S.-hosted meeting with a Russian president since 2007.
At that time, Trump expressed a willingness to facilitate dialogue between the two leaders but encouraged them to meet directly. Those talks have yet to materialize.
A Frustrated President and a Complex Conflict
Trump’s change in tone highlights the delicate balancing act facing the U.S. president: managing relations with Russia, supporting Ukraine, and reinforcing NATO’s credibility—all while navigating international scrutiny at the UN.
His shift from proposing land concessions to backing a full Ukrainian military recovery signals a major recalibration in American foreign policy rhetoric on the war.