Former U.S. President Praises Ukraine's President, Shifts Stance on Conflict

Ukrainian President expressed that the 's stance on Ukraine has undergone a significant shift. During a private meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly's high-level annual meeting, the praised the Ukrainian President as a "brave person" engaged in a "tough battle." This marked a notable change from the 's previous criticisms, which included suggesting that the Ukrainian President lacked leverage in negotiations with Russia.

The 's altered position was evident in a social media post, where he stated that with the support of the EU and NATO, Ukraine has the potential to regain all its territory. This statement represented a 180-degree turn from his earlier stance, which had been marked by pressure and criticism towards Ukraine. The Ukrainian President described this shift as a "major change" and "very positive."

During a meeting with the French President, the expressed disappointment with the Russian President, acknowledging that his good relationship with the Russian President had proven ineffective in stopping the conflict. This acknowledgment highlighted the complexity of the situation and the challenges in resolving the conflict through diplomatic means alone.

The 's comments were met with a mix of excitement and skepticism from European officials. While some welcomed the shift in stance, others remained cautious, noting the 's history of changing positions. There were concerns that his words might not translate into concrete policy changes, and some saw his remarks as a potential attempt to provoke the Russian President rather than a genuine change in U.S. policy towards the conflict.

The U.S. Secretary of State offered a contrasting view, emphasizing the importance of negotiations in ending the conflict. This position differed from the 's assertion that Ukraine could regain its territory through military means with European support. The Secretary of State's remarks underscored the need for a diplomatic resolution, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in the conflict.

The 's shift in stance on Ukraine was seen as a potential opportunity to distance himself from the conflict, which he had previously promised to resolve quickly. By abandoning his previous calls for Ukraine to cede territory in exchange for peace, the opened up the possibility of a more protracted conflict, with Ukraine fighting to regain its territory with the support of Europe. This change in stance reflected a more nuanced understanding of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the conflict.