In a dramatic reversal of his earlier position, President Donald Trump has adopted a noticeably tougher tone toward Russia while suggesting stronger U.S. support for Ukraine.
During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump declared that Russian aircraft breaching NATO airspace “should be shot down,” signaling a direct warning to Moscow. When pressed by reporters on whether the U.S. would back NATO allies in such a move, Trump replied that it would “depend on the circumstance,” but emphasized that NATO is now “stronger and more united” than ever.
This marks a sharp contrast to Trump’s stance earlier this year, when he suggested Ukraine might have to concede territory in exchange for peace. Instead, he now insists Ukraine, with European and NATO backing, can “win all of its land back.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Trump’s new position “a big shift” and welcomed his comments as “very positive.” Zelensky warned that Vladimir Putin has broader ambitions in Europe, citing repeated Russian drone and aircraft violations in Polish, Estonian, and Danish airspace.
Trump’s speech at the UN mixed hardline foreign policy with controversial domestic critiques. He accused Europe of being weakened by mass immigration and what he called “disastrous” clean-energy policies. He also reignited his feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, accusing the UK of moving toward “Islamic law” remarks that Khan dismissed as out of touch, responding online that “London is the greatest of all time.”
Beyond Ukraine, Trump criticized Western recognition of Palestinian statehood, calling it “a reward for Hamas terrorists.” He also mocked Russia as a “paper tiger” for failing to secure victory in a war he said should have been quick for “a real military power.”
The shift is striking, given that just months ago Trump told Zelensky he “didn’t have the cards” to win. Now, both leaders are presenting a united front. As Zelensky put it, “Trump is a game-changer by himself.”
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