Trump Suggests Ukraine Could Win Back Its ‘Original Form’ With EU Support

President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Ukraine could win back all of its Russian-occupied land with the support of the European Union (EU).

Trump’s Statement: “I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union [particularly NATO], is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form… Why not?... Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that! [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. In any event, I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!”

The Details: Trump posted the statement to Truth Social after the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Tuesday, at which he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That morning, he reiterated threats to increase sanctions on Russia and further encouraged European countries to boycott Russian oil.

How The Media Covered It: Media outlets across the political spectrum framed the suggestion as a significant shift in Trump's stance during both his presidential campaigns and throughout his current presidency. Politico (Lean Left bias) said the shift “suggests the president is coming to terms with the fact that his diplomatic overtures to Putin have been unsuccessful.” New York Post (Lean Right) called Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy “a far cry from the tense Oval Office meeting between the two men” in February. 

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