Trump Shifts Stance on Ukraine, urges End to Russian Oil Purchases & Praises Zelenskyy‘s Fight
Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations, former President Donald Trump has publicly signaled a significant shift in his approach to the war in Ukraine, expressing belief in Ukraine’s potential to reclaim all territory lost to Russia.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “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 marks a departure from previous suggestions that Kyiv consider making concessions to Moscow.
The change in tone was further emphasized by Trump’s recent praise of Zelenskyy, calling him “a brave man” and acknowledging “he’s putting up one hell of a fight.” This contrasts with earlier public criticisms directed towards the Ukrainian President.
Trump has also intensified his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating Putin has “let him down” and dismissing the Russian military as a “paper tiger.” “I think you are seeing the president’s frustration and disappointment frankly with Putin,” commented U.S.Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz on FOX News. “He has made innumerable calls; we had the summits in Saudi Arabia, turkey, and alaska. Obviously, look, ultimately, Putin has to end this war; the president has made it very clear his intent.”
The shift comes amid escalating tensions, including repeated violations of NATO airspace by Russian drones and fighter jets, impacting Romania, Poland, and Estonia. When asked if NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft entering their airspace, Trump responded, “Yes, I do.” Waltz warned, “Putin, the Russians, should take the message from the president, he’s not messing around.”
During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan on Thursday, Trump reiterated his call for Putin to end the conflict and urged European nations, including Turkey, to cease purchasing Russian oil, stating, “I’d like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine. But it’s such a waste of human life. And so we ought to stop. Putin ought to stop.”
Simultaneously occurring, President Zelenskyy addressed world leaders at the U.N.,warning of the broader implications of the conflict. “If there are no real security guarantees except friends and weapons,and if the world can’t respond even to all threats,and if there is no strong platform for international security,will there be any place left on Earth that’s still safe for people?” Zelenskyy cautioned.
