UNITED NATIONS — Moments after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy here, President Trump offered his most confident statement to date about Kiev’s ability to win its more than three-year war with Russia.
“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 to its original form,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“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?”
Mr. Trump said, “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.”
The president said it’s time for Ukraine to seize the moment, saying Russia “is in big economic trouble.” Mr. Trump also vowed to continue to supply weapons to NATO.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelenskyy met for more than an hour. The two exchanged compliments during the public portion, with Mr. Trump praising the Ukrainian leader as “brave” and putting up “a hell of a fight.”
Mr. Zelenskyy thanked his American counterpart for his efforts to end the war.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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