On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine could reclaim all of its territory from Russia and possibly venture beyond that, marking a significant shift following his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This remarkable change in tone emerged shortly after Trump urged NATO nations to take action against any Russian aircraft that infringe on their airspace.

“I believe Ukraine, with backing from the European Union, is capable of fighting to regain all of its original territory,” Trump announced on his Truth Social platform after his discussions with Zelensky.

He also characterized Russia as “fighting without a clear purpose” after three years of conflict, indicating a notable shift just over a month after his encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Previously, the U.S. president had exhibited only tepid support for Zelensky, highlighted by a tense televised exchange in February during which he told the Ukrainian leader, “you don’t have the cards” to prevail.

However, in his post on social media this Tuesday, Trump dismissed Russia as a “paper tiger,” asserting that “Putin and Russia are facing significant economic difficulties, and this is an opportune moment for Ukraine to take action.”

“With time, perseverance, and financial backing from Europe and especially NATO, restoring the original borders where this conflict began is very feasible. Why not?” Trump expressed.

He further noted that as Russia’s economic situation deteriorates, “Ukraine would be in a position to reclaim their nation in its original form, and who knows, they might even go beyond that!”

During his meeting with Zelensky at the UN General Assembly, Trump praised Ukraine’s resilience, stating, “I have great respect for the struggle that Ukraine is enduring. It’s truly remarkable.”

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump’s “personal efforts to end this conflict” and resonated with Trump’s appeal for European nations to halt purchases of Russian oil.

After a recent series of Russian aerial incursions that alarmed NATO allies in Europe, Trump stated these countries would be justified in taking action.

“Yes, I do,” Trump responded when asked if NATO countries should engage Russian aircraft that enter their airspace.

Nevertheless, Trump sidestepped inquiries about whether he still viewed Putin as a trustworthy negotiating partner despite ongoing Russian attacks against Ukraine.

“I’ll let you know in about a month, okay?” he replied when pressed on his trust in Putin.

The 79-year-old Republican has previously and repeatedly suggested a two-week timeframe for decisions regarding potential new sanctions against Russia.

Tensions between Russia and Europe have heightened amid recent airspace violations.

NATO deployed jets after three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes, prompting Estonia to request a UN Security Council meeting and discussions with NATO allies.

Poland, another NATO member, reported earlier this month that Russian drones had consistently breached its airspace during an assault on Ukraine, which Warsaw deemed an “act of aggression.”

Germany responded cautiously to Trump’s remarks about downing Russian planes, emphasizing the importance of avoiding an “escalation trap.”

“Being calm is not cowardice or fear; it’s about being responsible to your own nation and to maintaining peace in Europe,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated on Tuesday.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen noted on Tuesday that she discussed Russia’s airspace violations with Trump at the UN and emphasized the importance of reducing Moscow’s energy revenues.