Trump Signals Policy Pivot on Ukraine, Open to Long-Range Strikes and Full Territorial Recovery

President Donald Trump indicated openness to allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-provided long-range weapons for strikes inside Russia during a September 23 United Nations General Assembly sideline meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a departure from prior restrictions. Zelenskyy requested Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of reaching Moscow, and Trump responded without commitment but expressed no opposition, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

Trump also stated Ukraine could reclaim all lost territory, including Crimea, with NATO and European Union support, a reversal from his earlier emphasis on concessions to Russia. He described Russia as a "paper tiger" weakened by battlefield and economic losses, signaling reduced faith in quick negotiations after Putin's rejections of proposed deals.

Previously, Trump advocated territorial compromises and criticized Ukraine aid, but recent intelligence on Russian setbacks prompted the adjustment, per administration sources. The U.S. has supplied $66 billion in military aid since 2022, including ATACMS missiles limited to Ukrainian borders until now. Zelenskyy welcomed the discussion as progress toward "real steps" for victory.