What do Trump’s statements about Ukraine’s return of territories mean: a signal to Putin or a real turnaround
24 September 12:59
US President Donald Trump has unexpectedly spoken out about Ukraine’s chances of regaining control of all its territories, and perhaps even “going further” in restoring its sovereignty. These statements caused a wide resonance in political and military circles.
What Trump said
The American leader assured that he “fully understood the military and economic situation in Ukraine and Russia” and is convinced that “with the support of the European Union , Ukraine is able to fight and return all of its territory in its original form.”
“With time, patience and financial support from Europe, and NATO in particular, a return to the original borders from which this war began is quite possible. Why not?” Trump said.
He also spoke about the Russian army. In his opinion, Russia has been aimlessly waging war for more than a year and a half, although “real military force could have won it in less than a week.” This, according to Trump, does not show the strength of Russia, but rather makes it look like a “paper tiger.”
The US President added that residents of Moscow and other large cities and regions across Russia will learn the real state of affairs – about the huge lines for gasoline and other problems of the war economy, where most resources are spent on fighting Ukraine.
He also noted that Ukraine has a high morale and is only getting stronger, which further demonstrates Russia’s weakness.
“Putin and Russia have big economic problems, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. In any case, I wish both countries well. We will continue to supply NATO with weapons for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to everyone!” Trump concluded.
These words came against the backdrop of several weeks of arms deliveries under the NATO program, funded by European countries. According to media reports, Zelenskyy reported on his successes during the meeting, including the liberation of 300 square kilometers of territory, which clearly pleased Trump as a businessman who likes “return on investment.”
Zelensky’s reaction
In a commentary to Fox News, the President of Ukraine called Trump’s statements a very positive signal.
“I was a little surprised, yes. I mean, I’m confident in my people, in my army, and in the strength of the support of the United States, but the president of the United States was more positive about it and he showed that he wants to support Ukraine to the very end. So we understand now that we are ready to end this war as quickly as possible,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that the change in Washington’s rhetoric demonstrates its willingness to support Kyiv until the war is over.
“Yes, it was a bit of a surprise for me, you’re right. I saw a very positive signal that Trump and America will be with us until the end of the war. We’ll see, but God bless us,” he concluded.
Political and military pressure on russia
Military expert Dmitry Snegirev in a commentary
“This is an element of political and military pressure on the Russian Federation. Moreover, he notes in the same statements that Russia’s economy is suffering from an economic crisis, and accordingly, the capabilities of the army of the occupying country are not able to solve even the tactical level of the task.”
According to Snegirev, Trump also emphasized his support for Ukraine in restoring its sovereignty and territorial integrity:
“Moreover, he emphasizes support for Ukraine’s actions to restore sovereignty and territorial integrity within unrecognized borders with the support, first of all, of NATO and European countries.”
According to him, Trump in one statement put all the factual accents – further support from European countries, NATO assumes the main obligations for military and technical assistance to the country, the United States supports the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. And accordingly, the Russian Federation is in a state of economic collapse.
“That is, he has dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s. This is a de facto continuation of Trump’s tactics at the moment of pressure on the Russian Federation to end the war,” Snegirev said.
He emphasizes that Trump’s words are a continuation of pressure tactics to accelerate the end of the war, and real actions (blocking the Russian shadow fleet, limiting its influence in the post-Soviet space and expanded military assistance) are more important than rhetoric.
“Let me remind you once again that, according to the NATO Secretary General, we should look at Trump’s concrete actions, not his words. And concrete actions are serious economic pressure on the Russian Federation. First of all, this is the blocking of the shadow fleet, a series of measures to block the military and political presence of the Russian Federation, even in the post-Soviet space. And, accordingly, the expanded nature of military and technical support for our country,” the expert summarized.
The trade and political aspect
Political analyst Volodymyr Tsybulko in a commentary
“Well, first of all, this statement was made against the backdrop of several weeks of deliveries of weapons to Ukraine under the NATO program, which is paid for by European countries. And Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in my opinion, has already reported to Trump so successfully, demonstrating successes, Zelenskyy called, in my opinion, the liberation of 300 square kilometers of territory, which was pleasant for Trump. For his ear, because Trump, as a businessman, likes his investments to work.”
The expert explains that Trump sees arms supplies not only as a sale, but as his own “investment” in Ukraine’s struggle:
“Here he is selling weapons, but he believes that this is his investment in the Ukrainian struggle. And he believes that in return for receiving the necessary amount of weapons, Ukraine will give results. This makes, let’s say, certain changes in his worldview.”
Tsybulko emphasizes that Trump is beginning to see Ukraine not as a supplicant, but as a partner that fulfills its contractual obligations:
“He is beginning to perceive Ukraine not as a supplicant, but as, in principle, a contractual party that, on contractual terms, when the partner fulfills its financial obligations, actually fulfills its obligations. And this creates, in fact, the prospect of more stable relations.”
The political scientist also emphasizes the strategic implications of Trump’s words about the return of Ukrainian territories:
“If Trump is talking about the return of territories, he is essentially marking a bargaining position for Putin. Previously, Putin used to act in a way that he would define, say, a trade position and say that it would be worse. Now Trump is playing the mirror game, calling it the restoration of territorial integrity. And at the very least, he hinted at a possible crossing of the border by Ukrainian troops.”
Tsybulko emphasizes Trump’s “mirror” tactics toward Putin.
“I mean, it’s the same scheme that Putin used to use. If you don’t make a deal now, it will be more expensive tomorrow. This signal, I think, is very clearly addressed to Putin,” he summarized.
Thus, the expert sees Trump’s statements as not just words, but a strategic signal to the Kremlin, backed by the economic and military actions of the United States and NATO in support of Ukraine.
What it means for Ukraine
The US president’s optimistic statements can be seen as
- a signal of support for Ukraine in the international arena;
- additional pressure on Russia in the negotiation process;
- confirmation of the allies’ readiness to provide military and technical assistance.
Experts emphasize that it is important to focus on concrete actions, not just words, as this determines Ukraine’s real ability to regain its territories and ensure the security of the state.
