What is behind Trump's statement on the return of Ukrainian territories – Rezazade

US President Donald Trump declared this week at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine is capable of returning all of its territories with the support of the EU and NATO. This loud statement caused a wave of discussions in Kyiv, Brussels and Washington. Some saw it as a signal of support, others - an attempt to shift responsibility for the war to Europe.

International expert, first vice president of the Iranian opposition in Washington Ali Reza Rezazadeh explains that Trump's rhetoric reflects the current balance of sentiment in the White House and among the Republican political leadership.

"Trump speaks the language of political bargaining. His words about the full return of Ukrainian lands are more of a diplomatic gesture than a concrete plan of action. Behind this optimism lies an important signal: the US is not ready to infinitely increase support for Kyiv and expects that Europe will take on a greater burden," Rezazade notes.

Washington recognizes that massive supplies of modern weapons — from long-range missiles to cluster munitions — could dramatically change the situation on the front. However, as the expert emphasizes, the decision on such supplies remains political. “There is a consensus in the White House: Ukraine should be supported, but direct confrontation with Russia should be avoided. That is why Trump’s phrases should be viewed not as a promise, but as pressure on Europe,” he emphasizes.

European leaders met Trump’s statement with cautious approval, but at the same time with the understanding that Washington is trying to redistribute resources. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said bluntly: “Behind this optimism lies the desire to reduce the role of the United States and shift responsibility to Europe.”

According to Rezazade, the key issue in Washington now is not so much Ukraine’s victory on the battlefield, but Russia’s economic exhaustion. “Congress is actively discussing tightening sanctions to strangle the Russian military industry. This is considered the most realistic scenario for putting pressure on the Kremlin,” the expert explains.

He adds that Trump’s words are also addressed to the domestic audience in the United States. “This is a message to voters: America is not abandoning Ukraine, but it will not pay alone. This is also a signal to Republicans in Congress, who now have more reasons to support Kyiv, because the president’s position looks tougher towards Moscow,” Rezazade concluded.

Thus, Trump’s statements should not be taken literally as an immediate plan. This is rather a tactical maneuver that reflects the real mood in Washington: support for Ukraine will remain, but expectations from Europe will grow.