Distancing instead of support: Trump changed his rhetoric on Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (not pictured) during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Al Drago
US President Donald Trump unexpectedly changed his position on the war in Ukraine – he stated that Kyiv, with the support of Europe, is capable of returning all the territories captured by Russia.
This is stated in the material of The New York Times.
These words were a 180-degree turn in the rhetoric of Trump, who had previously hinted at the possibility of a “peaceful settlement” even at the cost of territorial concessions. He had also repeatedly stated that he could “end the war in 24 hours.” Now the eccentric leader unexpectedly expressed his belief that Ukraine is capable of fully restoring its borders.
At the same time, Trump did not provide any explanation for why he came to this conclusion now, nor did he specify whether Washington plans to intensify its support for Ukraine. He concluded his statement with the phrase: “I wish both countries all the best.”
However, just a few hours after Trump’s statement, his Secretary of State Marco Rubio effectively refuted it, noting that the war has no military solution and will ultimately end at the negotiating table – this is exactly the line Trump had previously promoted.
Diplomats and analysts fear that such a sharp change in position could be an attempt to distance himself from the conflict and avoid direct commitments. It is unclear how the Kremlin will react to the change in rhetoric. Putin could perceive the statement as another maneuver or as a signal to increase pressure.
There is currently no certainty whether this statement by Trump will be a turning point — or just another wavering position on the eve of the US elections.
As a reminder, US President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and named the conditions under which Russia would lose the war against Ukraine.
As reported, US President Donald Trump made a number of high-profile statements during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the main of which was the admission that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “let him down.” The American president openly admitted that he expected an easier path to ending the war in Ukraine thanks to his own contacts with the Kremlin, but the situation turned out to be much more complicated.
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