Trump's Ukraine War Reversal: From Peace Talks to Total Victory

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In a stunning shift, Donald Trump declared that Ukraine can “fight and win” back all territory seized by Russia since 2014—sparking debate over whether it marks a genuine change of heart or political maneuvering.

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, September 24, 2025 — US President Donald Trump stunned both allies and critics with a dramatic reversal on the Ukraine war. For months, Trump insisted that peace would come only if Ukraine ceded territory to Russia. Yet in a lengthy Truth Social post on Tuesday, he declared that with NATO’s backing, Ukraine is “in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”

This is a striking departure from his earlier claims that his close relationship with Vladimir Putin would allow him to negotiate a “quick peace.” Just days earlier, Trump lamented that Putin had “let him down,” a rare note of personal disappointment. Now, Trump appears to be showing confidence not only in Ukraine’s resilience but in Russia’s economic fragility, even likening Moscow to a “paper tiger.”

Reactions were swift. Michael McFaul, former US ambassador to Russia, noted on X that if he had written the same words, MAGA followers would have denounced him as a “war monger.” He added, “Eager to read their reaction to Trump’s statement. Change of heart? Or doubling down on old positions?”

Analysts see this pivot as more than rhetoric. Velina Tchakarova, geopolitical strategist, highlighted the abrupt turn: “Trump on Sept 18: I thought Ukraine would be easiest because of my relationship with Putin. Trump on Sept 23: Ukraine can fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form.”

The new posture suggests a potential reorientation of US policy if Trump were to return to office. Whether it is a sincere reassessment of the battlefield or a political calculation aimed at broadening his appeal remains unclear. What is clear is that Trump has reopened a debate within his own movement: Is this a realist acknowledging Ukraine’s strength—or a populist trying to rewrite his foreign policy script?

For now, Trump’s post ends with a note of ambiguity: “We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!” For Ukraine, that message may be welcome. For Russia, it is a signal that even Trump’s America First instincts may no longer shield the Kremlin from an emboldened Kyiv.

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