Trump Believes Ukraine Can Regain All Occupied Territory from Russia

LONDON — U.S. President Donald Trump stated he believes Ukraine can reclaim all its territory occupied by Russia, a significant shift in his stance. Trump made the comments following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025.

After their meeting, Trump shared on social media his assessment of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, saying, “With the support of the European Union, I think Ukraine is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back.” This marks a departure from the White House’s previous stance that suggested Ukraine would need to make territorial concessions.

Zelenskyy responded positively to Trump’s remarks, describing them as a “big shift.” He expressed gratitude for Trump’s willingness to engage and help end the conflict, stressing that the president seems well-informed about the war’s complexities.

However, there are still uncertainties regarding whether Trump’s comments will lead to an official policy change. “Knowing how often Trump might change his stance, we should be cautiously optimistic,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s assertion, stating that Russia is a “real bear” and reaffirmed that the country would continue its military operations. He also downplayed the impact of the Russian economy on the war effort.

In his social media post, Trump emphasized that Russia is experiencing significant economic trouble, which he suggested could be pivotal for Ukraine’s prospects. “Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years,” Trump noted, adding that he sees potential for Ukraine to restore its original borders.

As reactions to Trump’s shifted rhetoric circulate, analysts are monitoring whether it will lead to any tangible support for Ukraine. Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics, indicated that this new tone could have implications for the conflict’s dynamics.

While Trump’s comments may signal a willingness to reconsider previous positions, U.S. involvement in the peace process remains uncertain. He stated he will provide further insights into his views in about a month, leaving many questions unanswered.