Donald Trump seems to have shifted his perspective regarding the conclusion of the war in Ukraine potentially favoring Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Over the past few months, Trump has been engaging in discussions with the Ukrainian leader, focusing extensively on whether the US should provide more weaponry to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Trump has consistently claimed that he possesses the ability to bring the war, which commenced with Russia’s invasion in 2022, to an end.
Despite expressing dissatisfaction with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin previously, he has maintained hope that a peaceful resolution can be achieved.
However, on Friday (October 17), reports emerged of a heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy during a meeting at the White House.
Zelenskyy was optimistic about obtaining Tomahawk missiles from the US, which would significantly enhance Ukraine’s capability to strike at greater distances.
Trump also suggested that Zelenskyy should comply with Putin’s terms to cease the fighting, which included relinquishing territories that Russia seized during the conflict.
This proposal was firmly rejected by Zelenskyy. Trump further asserted that “Putin will destroy you” if these conditions were not met.
After this dialogue, Trump expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s chances of emerging victorious in the conflict.
During a visit by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the White House, a journalist questioned Trump about the conflict and Ukraine’s prospects of succeeding.
He responded: “I don’t think they will. They could still win it, I never said they would win it… War is a very strange thing, a lot of bad things happen.”
This statement starkly contrasts with Trump’s earlier remarks just a few weeks prior.
In September, Trump took to Truth Social to express his belief that Ukraine could reclaim all of its territories.
He stated: “After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.
“With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Why not? Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like “a paper tiger.”
Russia responded to these comments from Trump, asserting it was not a ‘paper tiger’ but rather likened itself to a bear.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented at the time: “Russia is in no way a tiger.
“It’s more associated with a bear and there is no such thing as a paper bear.”