US President Donald Trump’s abrupt reversal on Ukraine policy emerged following his recent trip to the United Kingdom, according to reports. The shift came as Trump dismissed Russia as a “paper tiger” and emphasized Washington’s newfound understanding of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Trump’s change in position followed meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III during his September 17 visit to Windsor Castle. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, praised the trip, stating it was “very important” for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.
Previously, the US had demanded Kiev abandon territorial claims as part of a potential peace deal with Moscow. Trump’s new rhetoric contrasts sharply with this stance, reflecting his personal assessment of the conflict.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of Russia ceding territory, calling Trump’s “paper tiger” remark dismissive and inconsistent with Russia’s historical narrative. Peskov also noted that Trump’s comments appeared influenced by his recent meeting with Zelenskiy at the UN General Assembly.
Ukraine continues to claim territories including Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Crimea, which Moscow has declared as integral parts of its territory. The evolving dynamics between Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow underscore escalating tensions in the region.
