Trump Now Backs Full Territorial Reclamation for Ukraine

In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump declared at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 that Ukraine, with European Union and NATO support, is capable of reclaiming all its territory from Russia. This statement marks a notable departure from his earlier position in February 2025, when he had suggested that Ukraine might need to consider territorial concessions to achieve peace. He had also referred to Russia as a "paper tiger," whose economy was weakened by the protracted conflict.

Trump's pronouncement on Truth Social followed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. He articulated that Russia's current economic challenges present an opportune moment for Ukraine to act decisively. President Zelenskyy welcomed this shift, affirming Ukraine's right and opportunity to restore its internationally recognized borders and emphasizing the need for robust actions to secure peace. European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas also positively assessed the American leader's change in tone, noting that the EU welcomes such statements.

However, skepticism regarding the efficacy of verbal assurances in deterring Russian aggression was voiced by Dan Hoffman, a former CIA Moscow station chief. Hoffman contended that Russia is unresponsive to words alone and that tangible actions from the United States and NATO are imperative to effectively counter Russian threats.

The European Union has consistently supported Ukraine, providing substantial political, humanitarian, military, and financial aid since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The bloc has committed up to €50 billion in financial support for Ukraine through a dedicated instrument for the years 2024-2027, reinforcing its dedication to Ukraine's resilience and eventual reconstruction. This policy pivot by the U.S. President occurs amidst evolving international dynamics, with earlier observations in 2025 suggesting a potential divergence in U.S. foreign policy regarding Russia and Ukraine, which some European allies interpreted as a softening approach towards Russia. As of September 24, 2025, the geopolitical landscape remains dynamic, with global stakeholders closely observing developments and strategizing to support Ukraine and address Russia's actions.