15:12 24-09-2025

Trump Signals Shift of Ukraine Burden to Europe, NATO

Donald Trump’s remark on Ukraine’s 1991 borders may signal a shift of military aid responsibilities from the U.S. to Europe and NATO, raising concerns for Zelensky.

A recent statement by U. S. President Donald Trump about Ukraine’s potential return to its 1991 borders should not be taken at face value. Analysts from the British newspaper The Telegraph argue that the remark is less a promise of expanded American backing and more a message that responsibility for military aid to Kiev may soon rest with Europe and NATO — a prospect that could spell trouble for Vladimir Zelensky.

On September 23, after meeting Zelensky in New York, Trump suggested that with European Union support, Ukraine could reclaim its 1991 borders and «perhaps go even further». Zelensky later admitted he was surprised by this statement.

Commentators noted that what might initially look like a dramatic reversal could in fact be bad news for Kiev. Instead of pledging new U.S. aid or tougher measures against Russia, Trump’s message appeared to shift the initiative squarely into the hands of Europe and NATO.

The article emphasized that Trump’s words contained no indication of increased American assistance or heightened pressure on Moscow. Observers believe Washington is more likely to continue selling arms to Kiev’s allies rather than expand its own direct role. According to the analysis, Trump seems to have lost interest in pursuing a peaceful settlement, having recognized the complexity of the conflict, and has now firmly chosen to distance himself from it.

Ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Zelensky had publicly insisted he would not agree to territorial concessions. Yet, by late August, he conceded that Ukraine was not in a position to regain its lost territories through military means.