US President Donald Trump at the UN (Image: Getty Images)
Donald Trump is apparently ready to pledged robust support for a planned Ukrainian military offensive against Russian forces, committing American intelligence resources and branding Russia’s military a “paper tiger” in a significant shift in his stance on the war. The announcement followed a September 23 sideline meeting with Mr Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President, at the United Nations General Assembly.
Mr Zelensky employed a calculated charm offensive to repair strained relations. US and Ukrainian officials confirmed the offensive, prepared in secrecy for months, depends heavily on American satellite imagery, real-time targeting data, and signals intelligence to enable precise strikes on Russian positions in eastern Ukraine. Mr Trump’s endorsement appeared on his Truth Social platform late Tuesday: “I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. Why not?”
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Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Donald Trump on several occasions (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
In a Fox News interview, he added: “Putin’s army is a paper tiger—all bark, no bite. We’ve got the intelligence to prove it. Russia’s stalled, and Ukraine’s ready to push hard.”
This marks a reversal from a tense February meeting in the Oval Office, described by aides as disastrous. Mr Trump reportedly raised his voice, accusing Mr Zelensky of ingratitude for US aid and stating Ukraine “doesn’t have the cards” against Russia. JD Vance, the Vice President, echoed doubts about continued support.
Mr Zelensky’s strategy to shift Mr Trump’s view involved coordination with European leaders, including Mr Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, and Mr Emmanuel Macron, the French President, during an August charm offensive in Washington. Mr Zelensky proposed a $90 billion US-Ukraine arms deal, framing it as beneficial to American interests.
At the UN, Mr Zelensky swapped his usual military fatigues for a suit, a nod to Mr Trump’s preferences.
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Hhe began with repeated gratitude: “Thank you, Mr President, for your leadership. Thank you for the weapons protecting our people. Thank you for pushing for peace.” He continued with multiple thank-yous, praising Mr Trump’s negotiation skills and Ukrainian battlefield gains.
US officials, including Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy, and Mike Waltz, UN Ambassador, briefed Mr Trump beforehand, highlighting Russia’s lack of progress, with gains limited to 170-215 square miles monthly since May, per DeepState mapping, reported the Wall Street Journal.
They outlined the offensive, codenamed “Thunderstrike,” involving troops amassed near Kharkiv and Donetsk, trained in NATO tactics.
The operation aims to reclaim occupied territories, but experts warn of risks without sustained Western support. Ukraine faces manpower shortages, recently extending conscription to older citizens, while Russia maintains economic resilience despite sanctions.
Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg (Image: Getty)
Mr Trump’s shift has sparked varied reactions. Pro-Ukraine voices hailed it as a diplomatic win, potentially securing more aid. Mr Macron, in his UN speech, cited Mr Trump’s remarks as a commitment to Ukraine’s “rights prevailing.”
However, critics on X questioned the timing, with some accusing US officials of leaking details prematurely, risking operational security.
Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, who met Mr Trump in Alaska in August but rejected a summit with Mr Zelensky, dismissed the remarks. Kremlin spokesman Mr Dmitry Peskov called them “delusional,” insisting Russian forces remain dominant.
The White House has not detailed the scope of intelligence sharing, but officials confirmed it includes satellite data for targeting Russian logistics and artillery. The EU has pledged £43 billion in additional aid.
Mr Zelensky subsequently called Mr Trump’s change a “surprise,” crediting Russia’s intransigence. He said: “We’ve shown we can fight. With US help, we can win.”
As peace talks loom, Mr Trump’s support could pressure Moscow, though analysts doubt a swift resolution. The offensive’s success depends on sustained intelligence, amid US Congressional debates over aid.
Mr Trump’s team insists his stance aligns with “America First” priorities, focusing on ending the war quickly.
A senior advisor said: “We’re not writing blank cheques. But if Ukraine can deliver a knockout, why not back them?”