Six months ago in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump told his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukraine "didn't stand a chance" against Russia. This week, however, Trump changed his tune.

"I think Ukraine, with support from the European Union, can fight and reclaim all of its original territory. Why not?", Trump posted on Truth Social after meeting Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on 23/9.

US officials say Trump's statement was intended to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate, after a meeting between the two in Alaska last month failed to produce a breakthrough in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Before meeting Zelensky, President Trump spent several days working with US officials who support a tougher stance on Ukraine, including special envoy Keith Kellogg and new US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz.

US President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting in New York on 23/9. Photo: AP

US President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a meeting in New York on 23/9. Photo: AP

According to two close sources, these officials updated Trump on the battlefield situation and noted that Russia had made almost no significant progress on the ground. He was also briefed on a major upcoming Ukrainian offensive that would require US intelligence support.

Observers believe Trump's sudden change of heart is partly due to Zelensky's efforts to win him over. During their 23/9 meeting in New York, Zelensky demonstrated that he had learned from the disastrous White House meeting last February.

Not only did Zelensky change his attire, he also offered Trump plenty of praise. Sitting next to Trump, the Ukrainian president repeatedly thanked the US for its support, lauded the former president's efforts to end the conflict, and highlighted the Ukrainian military's successes on the battlefield.

Zelensky reported that Ukraine had reclaimed about 363 square kilometers of territory from Russia in September, a claim confirmed by several military analysts. "It's not a major victory, but it shows we are not losing. This is very important," he said.

Since the beginning of August, Ukraine claims to have carried out at least 25 successful attacks on oil refineries within Russia, striking a blow to the adversary's energy sector.

Zelensky then remarked that Trump "clearly understands the situation and all aspects of the war". According to Zelensky, Trump has enough influence and power to be a "game changer" for Ukraine in the conflict.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly a day later, Zelensky did not comment on Trump's shift, saying only that he had a "good meeting" with the former president. He thanked Trump for his support and expressed confidence in the US.

"We look to the US as a pillar of support", he said.

Trump's unexpected change in assessing Ukraine's chances of reclaiming territory also came with a commitment to continue supplying weapons to European NATO members, who could then transfer them to Ukraine to fight Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the UN General Assembly in New York, USA on 24/9. Photo: AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the UN General Assembly in New York, USA on 24/9. Photo: AP

Observers suggest this also marks a "revival" in US-Ukraine relations, following the heated exchange between the two leaders at the White House last February.

Zelensky subsequently attempted to mend fences by expressing regret in a letter to Trump and quickly agreeing to a US-proposed ceasefire, even though Russia had not yet made a move.

A meeting with Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral in late April seemed to help heal the rift and boost Zelensky's standing. The two leaders spoke privately for 15 minutes at St. Peter's Basilica, and Trump described it as a "great meeting". The former president subsequently made rare criticisms of the Russian president.

Upon returning to the White House in August, Zelensky wore a black blazer and received praise from Trump. The meeting was more cordial, and the former president proposed a peace conference with the Russian leader.

By the 23/9 meeting, Trump appeared to have adopted some of Zelensky's views and praised the Ukrainian military. "We have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It's pretty amazing, actually", he said.

When Zelensky praised the initiative to pressure European allies to stop buying Russian oil, Trump hinted that he would pressure Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom he called a friend. The former president said that although he had not spoken to Orban, he felt the Hungarian leader would change his mind if he made the suggestion.

"And I think I will", he said.

Thanh Tam (According to WSJ, AFP, Reuters)