What’s at Play as Trump Encourages Ukraine to Go on Offense

President Donald Trump voiced a newfound optimism that Ukraine can retake all of its pre-2014 territory from Russia, potentially bolstering Kyiv’s fighting spirit after a costly three-and-a-half years of conflict.

In a speech before the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 23, Trump signaled willingness to raise pressure on Russia, if his European allies would significantly curb their continuing reliance on Russian energy exports. Later that same day, Trump affirmed that, with enough European support, Ukrainian forces could feasibly retake all the territory they’ve lost to Russia over the years.