Zelenskyy Praises ‘Well-Informed’ Trump Following Unexpected Shift on Ukraine Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly commended former U.S. President Donald Trump after a high-profile meeting at the United Nations General Assembly, acknowledging Trump’s apparent change in stance regarding Ukraine’s ability to reclaim its occupied territories amid the ongoing war with Russia.
The encounter between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of the UN gathering on Tuesday, resulting in Trump describing their discussion as “very meaningful.” Shortly after, Trump posted on social media his belief that Ukraine, with support from the European Union, is now positioned to “fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”
This represents a notable pivot from Trump’s previously more skeptical view of Kyiv’s battlefield ambitions and the longstanding White House position that Ukraine would be unlikely to liberate the approximately 20% of its territory occupied by Russian forces since 2014.
President Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s comments, expressing appreciation for what he called a “productive meeting” and Trump’s becoming more “well-informed” about the conflict’s military and economic dimensions. Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for his “personal efforts to stop this war,” aligning with Trump’s calls for European countries to cease buying Russian oil, a major lever in undermining Russia’s war economy.
However, Ukrainian officials maintained cautious optimism about the implications of this rhetorical shift. Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Ukraine’s parliament and chair of its foreign affairs committee, told ABC News that while Trump’s statement is significant, it remains to be seen whether this new position will translate into concrete policy support.
Other Ukrainian voices emphasized the war’s brutal reality. Anton Goncharenko, another member of parliament, underscored that despite this hopeful rhetoric, Russia remains unwilling to end hostilities. He warned against risking lives in a prolonged war of attrition, describing such a strategy as “idiocy.” According to Goncharenko, the current situation is neither a loss nor a win and requires balanced defense rather than reckless escalation.
The developments come amid complex and often tense diplomatic exchanges involving Washington and Kyiv. Reports from the recent Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting indicated discord over strategies, with Trump advocating for a ceasefire and peace talks, questioning Zelenskyy’s readiness for peace, and suggesting that continued U.S. involvement may impede resolution efforts.
Trump’s close advisers publicly supported his approach, with some commentators controversially downplaying Russia’s responsibility and criticizing Zelenskyy’s diplomacy. This internal U.S. political dynamic contrasts with Zelenskyy’s stance, who remains firm on seeking to regain full sovereignty over Ukraine’s territories.
Internationally, leaders like Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed support for Ukraine and called for a just and lasting peace, signaling the broader diplomatic challenges at play.
As the war continues into its third year, Zelenskyy’s engagement with Trump and the latter’s sudden support for full Ukrainian territorial restoration highlight shifting perspectives and underline the intricate geopolitics influencing the conflict’s future.
Contributors: Karen Travers, Michelle Stoddart, Hannah Demissie, Mariam Khan, Anna Sergeeva, Joe Simonetti (ABC News)