US President Donald Trump said Nato nations should shoot down Russian aircraft that violated their airspace and struck a more sympathetic tone on Ukraine’s chances of winning the war.
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He spoke as he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following recent jet incursions that have alarmed allies.
“Yes, I do,” Trump said when asked directly by a reporter if Nato allies should take down Russian aircraft during his meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
In a subsequent social media post, Trump said he believed that Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, was positioned not only to fight back but to reclaim all the territory taken by Russia since its invasion in 2022 – and perhaps more.
“Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. In any event, I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to Nato for Nato to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!” Trump said.
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The exchange embodied Trump’s recent policy of voicing support for Ukraine, even as he continues to emphasise that he wants Europe to take a greater role in efforts to pressure Russia. That has left allies, who have political and economic barriers to imposing additional tariffs and sanctions on Moscow and its partners, unsure of the extent to which the US is dedicated to assisting Kyiv and punishing the Kremlin.