New York: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with former U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, seeking renewed international support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting marked a striking rhetorical shift, with Trump publicly asserting that Ukraine could reclaim all territories currently occupied by Russian forces, including Crimea, a departure from his previous suggestions that Kyiv might consider territorial concessions to achieve peace.
Zelenskyy urged the U.S. to impose heavier sanctions on Russia and called for the European Union and other allies to halt purchases of Russian energy. He emphasized the urgency of leveraging Russia’s mounting economic difficulties to strengthen Ukraine’s strategic position. Trump, addressing the situation on social media, described Russia as facing “BIG economic trouble” and characterized its military as fighting “aimlessly,” likening it to a “paper tiger.” He suggested that Ukraine, with European support, could successfully recover all lost territory.
While the rhetoric signaled strong support, concrete policy changes from the U.S. remain uncertain. Trump indicated continued supply of weapons through NATO as a mechanism for European allies to bolster Ukraine’s defense, but officials remained cautious about translating words into direct action. Zelenskyy praised the meeting as “good and constructive,” noting a closer alignment of positions between Ukraine and the U.S. than ever before.
The discussion also highlighted broader strategic considerations, including the integration of Ukrainian defenses with NATO systems and preparations for a protracted conflict, emphasizing Ukraine’s ongoing need for international assistance. Despite uncertainties over immediate sanctions or policy shifts, Zelenskyy’s engagement with Trump underlined the continued importance of high-profile diplomatic efforts to maintain pressure on Moscow and sustain global attention on the war in Ukraine.