Trump Says Ukraine Could "Take Back" Its Territory From Russia

Trump dismissed Russia as a "paper tiger" facing economic difficulties.

US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that Ukraine could reclaim all its territory from Russia — and possibly more — marking a significant shift after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This surprising reversal came shortly after Trump also suggested that NATO countries should shoot down Russian jets violating their airspace.

"I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump posted on his Truth Social network following discussions with Zelensky.

Trump further stated that Russia was "fighting aimlessly" after three years of conflict, seemingly reversing his stance just over a month after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

The US president has previously displayed tepid support for Zelensky, with whom he had a major televised confrontation in the Oval Office in February, telling the Ukrainian leader "you don't have the cards" to win.

However, in Tuesday's social media post, Trump characterized Russia as a "paper tiger," stating that "Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act."

"With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Why not?" Trump wrote.

He added that as Russia's economic situation deteriorates, "Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that!"

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- 'Escalation trap' -

During his meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump expressed "great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It's pretty amazing actually."

Zelensky thanked Trump for his "personal efforts to stop this war" and supported Trump's call for European countries to cease purchasing Russian oil.

Following recent incursions by Russian fighter jets and drones that have concerned Washington's NATO allies in Europe, Trump indicated they would be justified in responding.

"Yes I do," Trump responded when asked if NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft entering their airspace.

Trump, however, avoided questions about whether he still considered Russian leader Putin a reliable negotiating partner despite Moscow's ongoing attacks on Ukraine.

"I'll let you know in about a month from now, okay?" Trump replied when questioned if he still trusted Putin.

The 79-year-old Republican has previously set two-week deadlines for decisions regarding potential fresh sanctions against Russia.

Tensions between Russia and Europe over Ukraine have intensified with recent aerial violations.

NATO deployed jets after three Russian MiG-31 fighters breached Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes on Friday, prompting Estonia to request a UN Security Council meeting and discussions with NATO allies.

Fellow NATO member Poland reported earlier this month that Russian drones had repeatedly violated its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, which Warsaw described as an "act of aggression."

Germany responded cautiously to Trump's comments about shooting down Russian aircraft, emphasizing the need to avoid an "escalation trap."

"Level-headedness is not cowardice and not fear, but a responsibility towards your own country and towards peace in Europe," German defence minister Boris Pistorius stated Tuesday.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday she discussed Russia's airspace violations with Trump at the UN, and agreed on the need to reduce Moscow's energy revenues.