Trump Backs Ukraine’s Full Territorial Recovery, Labels Russia a ‘Paper Tiger’
In a notable shift of tone, former President Donald Trump has stated that Ukraine is positioned to reclaim all of its territory occupied by Russia since the 2022 invasion. The comments were made following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2025.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump cited Russia’s economic struggles as a key factor, describing the nation as a “paper tiger” that has been unable to achieve a swift victory. He pledged that the United States would continue to supply weapons to NATO allies for eventual redistribution to Ukraine.
The remarks signal a departure from Trump’s previously emphasized stance, which often focused on urging rapid negotiations to end the war. President Zelenskyy characterized the meeting as productive.
The official White House account also commented on the meeting, quoting President Biden as saying of Zelenskyy, “He’s a brave man, and he’s putting up one hell of a fight.”
Analysts suggest the public support for Ukraine’s maximalist goal of full territorial liberation has significant, though mixed, implications for the future trajectory of the conflict.
