WSJ: It Has Become Known Why Trump Changed His Rhetoric On Ukraine
- 25.09.2025, 8:51
We just have to wait for the actual results.
Six months ago in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump told Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky that he had "no trump cards" in a war with Russia. At a meeting at the UN in September, Trump had already praised the Ukrainian army and criticized Russia, saying that Ukraine, with EU support, could regain its territories within its former borders. This change in rhetoric should partly put pressure on Vladimir Putin, as there has been no real progress in ending the war since the Alaska summit, The Wall Street Journal wrote, citing US officials.
According to the publication's sources, the reversal in Trump's stance was due to both Russia's failures on the frontline and the slowdown of its economy, and the preparation of the meeting with Zelensky. The latter consulted with US officials who support a more decisive line on Ukraine, including special envoy Keith Kellogg and the new US post-president to the UN Mike Walz.
It was important for all of them to convey to Trump the current situation on the front and the plans of the AFU, which require American intelligence support. At the same time, it is noted that changes in the tone of the White House head's statements do not necessarily mean a change in his policy: the United States continues to supply weapons to Ukraine, but limits the use of American weapons against Russian territory.
Zelensky himself clearly learned lessons from the February meeting at the White House, which ended in scandal: then Trump called him a "dictator without an election," Vice President J.D. Vance accused the Ukrainian president of ingratitude, and the Ukrainian delegation was actually expelled.
Zelensky prepared for the September meeting at the UN General Assembly: he changed from militaristic-style clothing to a more or less formal suit, sat next to Trump and repeatedly thanked him for his support, while emphasizing the Ukrainian army's successes on the front. Zelensky also noted that Trump "clearly understands the situation and is well aware of all aspects of this war."
Although Trump's rhetoric has become more favorable toward Kiev, it remains unclear whether this will lead to real changes in his policies. He continues to avoid serious sanctions against Russia and the massive arms shipments to Ukraine needed to liberate significant territory and protect cities from Russian strikes.
In Ukraine itself, reaction to Trump's "metamorphosis" has been mixed: presidential aide Andrey Yermak expressed cautious optimism, while opposition politicians such as Yaroslav Zheleznyak noted that Trump's words have no practical consequences.
The US, meanwhile, continues to supply arms to European NATO members, who then pass them on to Ukraine.