Former US President Donald Trump suggests Ukraine can regain its original territory with EU support, criticizing Russia’s prolonged and costly war effort.
Trump’s Statement on Ukraine
Donald Trump expressed his views on Ukraine’s potential to reclaim its territory, stating that with European Union support, Ukraine can fight and recover its original form. He emphasized that with time, patience, and financial support from Europe, particularly NATO, Ukraine’s pre-war borders are achievable.
Assessment of Russia’s Situation
Trump noted that Russia is facing significant economic troubles and has been engaged in a pointless war for three and a half years, which should have been won quickly by a real military power. He mentioned that Putin and Russia have huge economic problems and it’s time for Ukraine to act.
Previous Statements on Territorial Exchange
In August, Trump mentioned that one of the topics he would discuss with Vladimir Putin was the “exchange of territories.” He indicated that he knew this from Russia and from talking to everyone. Later reports suggested Trump supported a plan to give Russia the Donbas region in exchange for Putin’s pledge to freeze the front line in southern Ukraine.
Zelensky’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky countered that giving Putin land is not a solution to end the war, stating that Russia’s war machine will only stop when it runs out of fuel. He emphasized that a guaranteed end to the war is needed, not a pause like in 2008 in Georgia or in 2014 with Crimea and Donetsk.
