Donald Trump has declared that Ukraine is in a position to “fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form,” marking a sharp shift from his earlier position on the war. His remarks, shared on social media, followed a one-hour meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Asked by reporters earlier whether he supported NATO members shooting down Russian aircraft if they enter NATO airspace, Trump replied: “Yes, I do.”
In his address to world leaders at the General Assembly, the US president turned to a wide range of issues. He called for an end to what he described as the “failed experiment of open borders,” accusing the UN of enabling an “invasion” of Western countries. He singled out Europe, warning the continent was in “serious trouble” due to migration, and attacked its continued reliance on Russian energy supplies as “embarrassing.”
On climate change, Trump repeated his longstanding denial, calling it “the greatest con job ever.” He also claimed to have ended “seven wars since his White House return,” a statement his critics have already challenged.
Turning to the Middle East, Trump dismissed calls to recognize a Palestinian state, saying it would amount to “a reward for the terrible atrocities” committed by Hamas.
His comments underscored both his combative style at the UN and his willingness to shift positions, particularly on Ukraine, at a time when the war remains a central issue for Western allies.
Image: The BBC