By Harshit | September 24, 2025 | New York City | 7:15 AM EDT
Trump Signals Major Shift on Ukraine Conflict
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signaled a dramatic change in his stance toward the war in Ukraine, suggesting for the first time that Kyiv could reclaim all its territory lost to Russia since 2014. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Trump also said NATO member states should consider shooting down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace, escalating his rhetoric against Moscow.
“Yes, I do,” Trump replied when asked directly if NATO should take such action, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The comments mark a departure from his previous statements, in which Trump had implied Ukraine would likely need to cede land to secure peace. Instead, he now appears to support Ukraine’s pursuit of full sovereignty over its original borders.
Trump’s Truth Social Post: “Ukraine Can Win It Back”
Hours after his remarks, Trump expanded on his views in a lengthy Truth Social post. He argued that Russia was in “BIG Economic trouble,” describing the Kremlin as a “paper tiger” drained by the prolonged conflict.
“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 wrote. “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?”
He added that Ukraine could “take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that.”
Zelensky Calls Trump’s Stance a “Game Changer”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s comments, calling them a turning point in U.S. policy toward the war.
“This post of Trump, it’s a big shift,” Zelensky said at a press conference later in the afternoon. “Trump is a game changer by himself.”
Zelensky revealed that he had briefed Trump in detail on the current state of the battlefield, adding, “I think that president is – he knows some details. And I think he knows more details than before. And I am happy with this.”
Rubio Counters: “War Cannot End Militarily”
Despite Trump’s shift, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a different tone during a UN Security Council meeting. Rubio argued that the war “cannot end militarily” and that a negotiated settlement remains the only path forward.
“It will end at a negotiating table,” Rubio said. “The United States remains as committed as it’s ever been to a peaceful resolution to this dangerous conflict.”
His remarks highlight a potential divide within the Trump administration over whether to double down on military pressure against Russia or push harder for diplomacy.
Questions Remain on U.S. Role
While Trump emphasized NATO and European Union support for Ukraine, his Truth Social post made no mention of additional U.S. assistance. CNN has asked the administration whether further military or financial support from Washington is on the table.
For now, Trump’s stronger rhetoric signals a tougher stance against Russia — one that could shift expectations for Ukraine’s battlefield strategy and future negotiations. But with conflicting messages from top U.S. officials, the administration’s long-term approach to ending the war remains uncertain.
