Trump's startling Ukraine pivot

And Trump's DOJ looks to indict former FBI Director James Comey |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025 THE LATEST 3 ways to interpret Trump's shocking Russia pivot By Zeeshan Aleem 3 ways to interpret Trump's shocking Russia pivot By Zeeshan Aleem In February, President Donald Trump brusquely told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, "You don't have the cards" to defeat Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He staked out a brand new view of the conflict on Tuesday, declaring on Truth Social that Russia is a "paper tiger" and claiming that Ukraine has "great spirit" and "is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form" with the support of NATO.   Trump's startling new pivot caught both Moscow and Kyiv by surprise, and prompted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to fire back on Wednesday: "Russia is more compared with a bear. There are no paper bears."   Trump has sent mixed signals throughout his second term. At times he has publicly scolded Zelenskyy for being too determined to continue fighting. Other times, he has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, such as when he called him "absolutely crazy" after a particularly heavy bombardment of Ukrainian cities.   It's increasingly difficult to suss out where Trump fundamentally stands on the Ukraine war or predict what he'll say or do next. But if Trump thinks he's slyly pressuring Russia or Ukraine to accept a peace deal through his seeming incoherence, he's wrong.   This is a preview of  Zeeshan Aleem's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES STEVE BENEN Democrats seize on Tom Homan bribery probe, seek access to FBI recording Democrats have initiated "a robust oversight inquiry" into the White House border czar's controversy, but will Team Trump choose silence over transparency? Read more. NORMAN EISEN AND ANDREW WARREN Trump deleted a recent Truth Social post. But he couldn't hide its threat to democracy. The president has pondered aloud about prosecuting his enemies, wished for it and is now ordering it. Read more. ERUM SALAM Shooting at Dallas ICE facility leaves 1 detainee dead and 2 others critically injured Authorities said three detainees were shot in "an act of targeted violence;" no ICE officers were injured in the attack. Read more. ROBERT D. CORNWALL The roots of belief in the 'rapture' that didn't happen A 19th century biblical interpretation of Jesus' second coming — and the end of the world — is especially popular among American evangelicals. Read more.  TOP VIDEOS MORNING JOE Trump's DOJ looking to indict former FBI Director James Comey WATCH NOW MORNING JOE 'Crackpot ideas': Hillary Clinton slams RFK Jr. over 'turning the clock back' on public health WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS Kimmel assails Trump's 'anti-American' attacks on free speech in late night return WATCH NOW THE WEEKNIGHT Arizona Democrat's victory paves way to force Epstein files vote WATCH NOW In the latest episode of "Why Is This Happening?," Chris Hayes is joined by Costa Samaras, an energy and climate expert, to discuss the current electricity crunch and the outsized impact AI will have on the grid. Listen now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening and bonus content. This week on "The Best People," Nicolle Wallace speaks with legendary singer and activist Joan Baez to discuss how she has spent her career equally at home on the political frontlines as well as behind a guitar, and what she's looking for in today's political movements. Listen now and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE