Donald Trump: Ukraine Could ‘Take Back’ Its Country In ‘Original Form’ From Russia
President Donald Trump stunned foreign policy watchers Tuesday when he said Ukraine could reclaim its “original” territory from Russia, citing Russia’s deepening economic woes and military stagnation as key reasons.
The remarks followed a brief but notable meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Roughly 20 minutes later, Trump posted a message to Truth Social offering a surprisingly optimistic outlook for Kyiv’s ability to restore its pre-war borders.
“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, 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 wrote.
He added that with the backing of NATO and European financial support, “the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option.”
“Why not?” Trump continued. “Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like ‘a paper tiger.’”
He went on to say that the Russian public is being kept in the dark about the realities of the war, referencing long lines for gasoline and crumbling infrastructure. “When the people living in Moscow… find out what is really going on with this War… Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that!”
While stopping short of calling for direct U.S. military involvement, Trump reiterated support for NATO weapons transfers. “We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them,” he said. “Good luck to all!”
The comments mark a sharp shift in tone for Trump, who has long criticized “endless wars” and who campaigned in 2020 and 2024 on promises of diplomacy-first foreign policy. Still, he appeared to stop short of directly committing the United States to Ukraine’s cause, instead placing the burden on NATO and European allies.
Trump’s statement drew a mixed reaction from commentators across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the president for calling out Russia’s fragility and showing confidence in Ukraine’s resilience. Critics questioned whether the remarks signal a new shift in U.S. policy — or simply reflect Trump’s strategic messaging as he heads into another round of negotiations with NATO partners.
The Kremlin has not issued an official response. However, Russian media outlets began airing the clip of Trump calling Russia a “paper tiger” almost immediately, hinting at brewing tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of the next round of international talks.