Trump’s Shift in Rhetoric Towards Ukraine: A New Approach and Political Context
At the end of August last year, Donald Trump, then President of the United States, publicly told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Kyiv lacked the cards to succeed in its fight against Russia, dampening hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict.
However, by June of this year, during UN meetings in New York, Trump made a sudden turnaround in his position on Ukraine, praising the Ukrainian military and its ability to reclaim contested territories with support from the European Union.During an encounter with Zelensky in New York, Trump made a statement that seemed straightforward yet significant: “Ukraine, supported by the European Union, is capable of winning and regaining all its territories.” This statement sparked outrage in Russian circles and led observers to believe that Washington’s mood toward the war was shifting.
Analysts suggest that Trump is intentionally pressuring Moscow, urging Putin to consider a peace agreement, especially since, since the Alaska summit last summer, no meaningful progress has been made in negotiations.This shift in Trump’s stance comes amid Russia’s slow progress on the battlefield, its economically faltering, and Zelensky’s efforts to garner more support from the United States.
In recent months, Trump has discussed the situation with high-ranking U.S.
officials, including Ukraine and Russia envoy Keith Kellogg and newly appointed UN ambassador Mike Waltz, receiving updates on the ground situation.
According to sources, they informed Trump that Russian forces have made little significant progress in recent years, and that Ukraine’s planned counteroffensive will require additional intelligence support from the U.S.However, sources note that while Trump has softened his rhetoric, he continues to support weapons sales to Ukraine but has limited their use for attacks inside Russia.
He has yet to push for broad sanctions against Moscow, despite earlier threats, and current U.S.
policy remains focused on providing defensive weapons and supporting Ukraine’s efforts to regain control over occupied territories.Meanwhile, Zelensky has adapted his communication style, following a previous crisis in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
He now dresses more conservatively, often expresses gratitude to the U.S.
for its support, and highlights Ukrainian military successes.
Zelensky emphasizes that President Trump “clearly understands the situation and is well-informed about all aspects,” which is seen as a positive signal for Kyiv.
In Moscow, officials acknowledge that Trump’s current stance is influenced by Ukraine’s perspective, though diplomatic rhetoric remains cautious, with officials asserting Russia will have opportunities to present its position during upcoming meetings with the U.S.
Secretary of State.Overall, Europe and Ukraine respond cautiously to Trump’s new rhetoric.
While many see his words as a potential step toward increased and more targeted support, they emphasize that words need to translate into concrete actions.
The political game around Ukraine remains delicate, and each move — words included — carries significant consequences for the future of the conflict.