President Donald Trump has reignited global debate with a fiery address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he sharply criticised the world body, Europe, and his political opponents, while also signalling a major shift in his stance on the war in Ukraine.
In a speech that lasted nearly an hour, Trump hailed what he called America’s “golden age” under his leadership and repeated his claim that he had ended seven wars, an achievement he said deserved a Nobel Peace Prize.
He, however, launched blistering attacks on the UN, accusing it of being ineffective in resolving conflicts and limiting its role to issuing “empty words and letters.” He criticised the organisation’s humanitarian aid for asylum seekers, alleging it was “funding invasions instead of preventing them.”
Turning his attention to Europe, Trump condemned the continent’s immigration and renewable energy policies, describing them as “suicidal.” He dismissed climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,” warning that green energy reforms would cripple European economies and destroy their cultural heritage.
On religious liberty, Trump urged global leaders to protect Christianity, which he described as “the most persecuted religion in the world.”
Trump’s sharp rhetoric was met with silence, unlike in 2018 when UN delegates laughed at some of his controversial remarks. Analysts say this reflects both the seriousness of his tone and the divisive nature of his message, which critics described as “Trumpism in its rawest form.”
Amid the fiery speech, Trump made headlines with comments on Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. After meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN, he posted on his Truth Social platform that Kyiv could “win back all its original borders” with the backing of Europe and NATO, calling Russia a “paper tiger” facing deep economic troubles.
The remarks marked a significant reversal from his earlier position that peace would require Ukraine to give up parts of its eastern territories. Trump’s statement was welcomed by President Zelensky, who described it as a “big shift” and a positive signal of continued US support, though he admitted there were no concrete details yet. Zelensky suggested future guarantees might include weapons, drones, and stronger air defences.
Trump further called on NATO nations to shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace. This comes after recent incursions involving Russian drones and fighter jets into Estonia, Poland, and Romania. NATO leaders condemned Moscow’s actions as “irresponsible and escalatory,” warning that such violations endangered lives and risked miscalculation.
While Trump praised NATO for committing to increase defence spending, he criticised some members for continuing to buy Russian energy, accusing them of “funding a war against themselves.”
Observers say Trump’s shift on Ukraine underscores his unpredictable approach to foreign policy and may be an attempt to revive stalled peace talks. His critics, however, argue that his inconsistent positions risk fuelling uncertainty in a conflict that has already reshaped global security.