Kuala Lampur, Sept. 25 -- When US President Donald Trump strode onto the podium at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he once again demonstrated his uncanny ability to confound friends and foes alike. In one sweeping speech, he derided global institutions, questioned the very existence of the UN, told assembled leaders "your countries are going to hell," and berated Europe for "buying oil and gas from Russia while they're fighting Russia."

Hours later, however, he posted on Truth Social that Ukraine could "fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form."

The contradictions were whiplash-inducing. Trump has often expressed scepticism about US commitments abroad, especially the costly support for Ukraine. His sudden ...