Ukraine Invasion: Part 58

[MagicFox]

We’re all still here for Thread 58. Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

D. Please keep on topic

@blueshoes Hope your son has a wonderful week and settles in fast =)

Kyiv Post:

🔹 US President Trump was just asked (21st Sep.) if he would help defend Poland and the Baltic states from Russia if Putin continues to escalate.

“I WILL,” he replied.

When asked about the briefing on Estonia,
Trump said: “We don’t like it.”

🔸 “Preparing for a week of diplomacy” — Zelensky announces dozens of meetings with world leaders, including Trump

“The first meetings are already scheduled for tomorrow. We also plan to meet with the President of the United States this week. There will be a significant event dedicated to the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia — a truly global summit on this issue.“

🔹 Macron has issued a stark warning that Russia’s recent drone incursions into NATO airspace were deliberate acts of aggression, not a mistake, and has called for new sanctions to bring Moscow back to the negotiating table.

🔸 Zelensky condemned Russia’s latest strikes, stressing they coincided with the UN General Assembly for the fourth year in a row, and called for tougher global sanctions.

🔹 Poland has no intention of unilaterally shooting down objects that violate its airspace — Prime Minister Tusk [This seems like a weird announcement!]

🔸 For the first time in combat history, Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed the destruction of two Soviet-designed Be-12 “Chaika” anti-submarine planes.

The strike hit occupied Crimea — and took out a piece of Russia’s aging maritime aviation.

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️ More than 15,000 mobilized Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation.

The analysis shows that 42% of these deaths occurred within the first year after President Vladimir Putin announced Russia's month-long "partial mobilization" in September 2022.

⚡️ NATO jets intercept Russian spy plane over Baltic Sea, Germany says.

The aircraft, an Il-20M, departed from Russia and entered international airspace without establishing communication, making visual identification the only way to confirm its presence.

⚡️Trump reiterates call for European allies to stop buying Russian oil.

U.S. President Donald Trump again urged European countries to stop importing oil from Russia, during a dinner speech in Virginia, Bloomberg reported on Sept. 21.

"The Europeans are buying oil from Russia – not supposed to happen, right?" Trump said.

⚡️Trump vows to help defend Poland, Baltic countries if Russian escalations continue.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sept. 21 that he would help defend Poland and the Baltic nations if Russia continues to escalate.

“Yeah, I would. I would,” Trump replied when reporters asked whether the U.S. would back its allies in such a case.

⚡️Ukraine to begin exporting naval drones, other weapons, Zelensky says.

Kyiv has drawn up proposals for a "controlled export" of Ukrainian weapons, particularly sea drones, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Sept. 21.

⚡️Ukrainian drones strike resort in occupied Crimea near Russian state dachas, Kremlin proxy says.

A source reportedly told the Crimean Wind Telegram channel that "very important guests" were staying at the Foros resort at the time of the attack. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

⚡️US move to ease Belavia sanctions raises fears of spare parts reaching Russia, Politico reports.

There is growing concern that U.S.-made aircraft components could be diverted to Russian airlines, which face acute shortages of spare parts and maintenance capacity after more than three years under Western sanctions.

⚡️ Kyiv strikes Russian drone hub, ammunition depot in eastern Ukraine, military says.

Ukrainian forces hit a Russian hub for the distribution of drones on Aug. 29, destroying "massive stockpiles" of UAVs, Ukraine's General Staff reported.

⚡️ Ukraine strikes Russian S-400 air defense system in western Russia.

A launcher and a radar system of a Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system were hit during a Ukrainian drone strike on Kaluga Oblast, the Special Operations Forces reported on Sept. 22.

⚡️Polish national fighting for Russia killed in combat zone, Russian authorities say.

Polish national Jerzy Tyc was the head of the Kursk Association, an organization involved in restoring Soviet war memorials in Poland.

⚡️ Putin offers temporary US-Russia nuclear arms control deal but vows response to 'any threats.'

Putin said that Russia is willing to uphold the New START Treaty's limits for another year after its expiration in February if "the U.S. does the same."

⚡️Macron opposes seizure of Russian frozen assets, citing 'respect' for international law.

"We will respect international law. We are predictable, and we will not do all impossible things with these frozen assets," French President Emmanuel Macron said.

For info it appears the IT disruption at some airports over the weekend (still continuing to some degree) is increasingly being blamed as a ransomware attack.

No comment yet as to who exactly the perps might be or where they might be.

https://industrialcyber.co/threats-attacks/enisa-confirms-ransomware-behind-airport-disruptions-delays-at-heathrow-brussels-berlin-continue/

Thanks for the well wishes. Freshers week seems to be going well. He isn't spending much time in his room 😁not stalking him on Find My at all.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-22-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on September 22 that Russia will adhere to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for one year following its expiration in February 2026 and used threats to urge the United States to do the same.
2. Putin blamed the West for undermining Russian-US arms cooperation and violating bilateral arms agreements—ignoring how Russia has violated numerous multilateral and bilateral treaties in the past decades.
3. Putin is attempting to pressure the Trump administration to engage in arms control talks to facilitate US-Russian rapprochement and extract concessions from the United States about the war in Ukraine, as ISW forecasted Russia would in August 2025.
4. Some Russian defense industrial enterprises are reportedly struggling to expand their production and workforces due to economic constraints, while the Kremlin is prioritizing funding for high-priority enterprises such as drone and missile manufacturers.
5. The United Nations (UN) reported that the number of casualties from Russian drone strikes targeting Ukrainian civilians has increased by 40 percent so far in 2025 as compared to 2024.
6. Ukrainian forces may have targeted high ranking Russian officials in a reported strike against occupied Crimea on the night of September 21 to 22.
7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Dobropillya tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced near Lyman and Pokrovsk and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

️Zelensky arrives in US ahead of meeting with Trump (https://kyivindependent.com/trump-to-meet-zelensky-on-sept-23-in-new-york-white-house-confirms/).

⚡️Zelensky, Trump’s envoy Kellogg discuss (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-trumps-envoy-kellogg-discuss-front-line-progress-us-weapons-deals/) front-line progress, US weapons deals.
According to Zelensky, the meeting focused on Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations near Dobropillia and Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces have recently reported progress.

⚡️ Putin offers temporary US-Russia nuclear arms control deal (kyivindependent.com/putin-vows-to-respond-to-any-strategic-threats-as-us-russia-nuclear-arms-pact-nears-end/) but vows response to 'any threats.'
Putin said that Russia is willing to uphold the New START Treaty's limits for another year after its expiration in February if "the U.S. does the same."

⚡️Ukrainian drones attacked (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-attacked-moscow-throughout-the-night-mayor-says/) Moscow throughout the night, mayor says.
Airspace over the Russian capital was closed due to the drone attack, prompting a temporary suspension of operations at Moscow’s airports.

⚡️Drones that entered Poland on Sept. 10 carried (kyivindependent.com/drones-that-entered-poland-on-sept-10-carried-no-warheads-tusk-says/) no warheads, Tusk says.
"There is currently no evidence that any of these drones posed a direct threat. So far, none have been identified as combat drones capable of detonating or causing harm," Donald Tusk said.

⚡️74 people detained in Moldova in alleged Russian-backed election plot (kyivindependent.com/74-people-detained-in-moldova-over-alleged-russian-plot-to-influence-elections/), media reports.
Moldovan authorities detained 74 people on Sept. 22 who are accused of working with Russian intelligence to plan unrest during the Sept. 28 parliamentary elections.

⚡️Putin grants (kyivindependent.com/putin-grants-citizenship-to-ex-biden-aide-who-accused-him-of-sexual-assault/) Russian citizenship to ex-Biden aide who accused him of sexual assault.
Tara Reade moved to Russia in 2023, citing security concerns in the U.S., and sought Russian citizenship.

⚡️Slovakia, Hungary excluded (kyivindependent.com/slovakia-hungary-excluded-from-initial-eu-drone-wall-talks/) from initial EU 'drone wall' talks.
The Sept. 26 meeting, convened by EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, will include representatives from seven EU states — Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria — along with Ukraine.

⚡️Denmark's Copenhagen airport shut down after drone sightings (https://kyivindependent.com/denmarks-copenhagen-airport-shut-down-after-drone-sightings/).
All flights at Denmark's Copenhagen Airport were halted Sept. 22 after drones were reported in the area. "CPH Airport is currently closed for takeoffs and landings, as 2-3 larger drones have been observed flying in the area," police said in a statement posted on X.

⚡️ Update: Drones behind Denmark airport closure (kyivindependent.com/denmarks-copenhagen-airport-shut-down-after-drone-sightings/) flown by ‘capable operator,’ police say.
"It’s an actor who has the capabilities, the will, and the tools to show off in this way,” Danish Police Chief Superintendent Jens Jespersen told journalists on Sept. 23.

⚡️Macron opposes (kyivindependent.com/macron-opposes-seizure-of-russian-frozen-assets-citing-international-law/) seizure of Russian frozen assets, citing 'respect' for international law.

⚡️19th EU sanction package to leave (kyivindependent.com/19th-eu-sanction-package-to-leave-russian-oil-flows-via-druzhba-pipeline-untouched/) Russian oil flows via Druzhba pipeline untouched.
The latest measures will target two Russian energy giants, Rosneft and Gazprom, but neither company plays a significant role in supplying oil via the Druzhba pipeline, according to European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen.

⚡️Russia cites (kyivindependent.com/russia-cites-air-safety-in-bid-to-lift-international-aviation-sanctions/) air safety in bid to lift international aviation sanctions.
Reuters reported on Sept. 22 that Russia is pressing the U.N. civil aviation agency to lift sanctions on the shipment of aircraft parts and overflights, warning that they allegedly threaten air safety. [how about air safety over Ukraine, Russia?]

⚡️Polish national fighting for Russia killed (kyivindependent.com/polish-national-fighting-for-russia-killed-on-the-front-line/) in combat zone, Russian authorities say.
Polish national Jerzy Tyc was the head of the Kursk Association, an organization involved in restoring Soviet war memorials in Poland

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-8-injure-27-in-ukraine-over-past-day-2/) kill 7, injure 27 in Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian forces downed 103 out of the 115 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Twelve drones struck six different locations.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 49m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — SEP 23, 2025
■ Engagements and casualties near average
■ Record-high equipment losses; 7-day drone losses also at record level; 2 aircraft and 1 helicopter hit
■ Overnight attacks: all drones, good interception rate
■ Double-digit 🇺🇦 strikes for the second day in a row

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russia’s shadow fleet has expanded by 45% over the past year, The New York Times reported, citing S&P Global Market Intelligence.
At the start of 2025, the fleet built to circumvent oil sanctions included 940 vessels — about 17% of all oil tankers worldwide.
The average age of these ships is around 20 years, seven years older than conventional tankers. Operating largely without insurance due to sanctions, the fleet poses heightened risks of environmental disaster, experts warn.

Putin said that Russia is ready to extend the treaty on reducing nuclear arsenals but threatened the US with a “non-verbal” response.
According to him, Russia is “ready to adhere to the restrictions” of the Treaty on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (STO-III) after its expiration on February 5, 2026.
He added that the end of the treaty would mean “the disappearance of the last agreement containing direct restrictions on missile potential” and said Moscow wants to preserve the current status quo established by STO-III.
Putin set a condition: Russia will maintain the restrictions only if the United States does the same. He claims the Russian Federation is not interested in an arms race.
“Putin’s propaganda of fear. The Russians have not come up with anything new. Instead of peace, they are seeking escalation in everything. This is dealt with exclusively by force,” commented Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

A huge cargo plane was spotted flying directly over Moscow skyscrapers, reportedly maneuvering to evade drones.
The Russian capital has been under UAV attack for several hours. https://t.me/United24media/35616 [@notimagain]

❗️Events in Poland and Estonia resemble the early stages of Russian aggression against Ukraine — Andrii Sybiha at the UN Security Council
Hybrid attacks, escalation, soldiers without insignia, border violations — we see this pattern repeating itself in new forms. The only effective response is force and unity, he stressed.

Russia is actively recruiting mercenaries from the Middle East to fight in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Pravda.
In recent days, several cases were recorded of migrants trying to cross borders in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries. Most came from Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen, with many attempting to enter Russia via Iran and Azerbaijan. Organizers offered migrants specific conditions and promises. One detained Iraqi citizen reportedly said he was offered $3,000–$8,000 to join Russian forces, along with Russian citizenship after six months of service.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that Russian provocations are bringing Europe closer to conflict.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting in New York, Tsahkna read a statement on behalf of 50 countries and the EU condemning last week’s violation of Estonian airspace by three Russian fighter jets.

Ukraine has conveyed to its partners the urgent need for air defense systems and missiles, which could limit Russia's ability to wage war, — President Zelenskyy.

We know that you disregard international law and cannot live in peace with your neighbors. Your extreme nationalism is a thirst for domination that will not end until you accept that the era of empires is over and yours will not return, — Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told the Russian representative at a UN Security Council meeting.
"And every drone strike by the heroes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, may God bless them, brings this day closer," he added.
Sikorski stressed that NATO countries will not be intimidated by Russia, and any escalation will have consequences for the aggressor.

The UN Security Council, the organization’s main body founded on principles of justice and equality, has been constrained by the interests of just five countries. This unfair structure is a major cause of deadlock in regional and global crises and requires urgent reform, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
“Reform is needed so that the UN can become a truly effective center of multilateralism, in line with its founding principles, and so that just solutions to global problems can be achieved,” he added

🔥 Here's a video of what's left of the Russian helicopters in Crimea. https://t.me/United24media/35610 [if this is accurate, that helicopter is not going to be flying soon]

Overnight, Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia with six high-explosive aerial bombs, hitting civilian infrastructure and residential buildings. One man was killed.

Today, for the first time, traffic on Khreshchatyk was stopped at 9:00 a.m. to honor the memory of every life taken by russian aggression: from fallen defenders on the front to civilians who died as a result of enemy attacks. From now on, Kyiv's central street will be halted daily. t.me/United24media/35628

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky held a detailed conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of key meetings at the UN General Assembly in New York.
“A very detailed conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, ahead of many meetings in New York at the General Assembly — above all, about the need for real protection against Russian attacks,” Zelensky said.

Trump’s helicopter was “attacked” with a laser during takeoff in Washington — NBC News
A man pointed a laser pointer at the pilot, attempting to blind him. He was also found to be carrying a knife.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Thousands of Orthodox Jews flocked to the Ukrainian city of Uman (www.kyivpost.com/post/60664) on Monday for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, despite warnings from Kyiv not to travel due to the Russian invasion.

Russia didn’t sleep last night, as more than 180 drones swarmed the country’s airspace (www.kyivpost.com/post/60665) — 32 of them near Moscow, according to Mayor Sobyanin.

Russian insurance companies are seeing a sharp rise (www.kyivpost.com/post/60625) in requests for property insurance that specifically covers damage from drone attacks.

Zelensky is set to unveil what could be Ukraine’s first draft policy (www.kyivpost.com/post/60635) on arms exports, at a time when military exports are effectively restricted despite a production surplus.

For the first time in combat history, Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed the destruction of two Soviet-designed Be-12 “Chaika” (www.kyivpost.com/post/60608) anti-submarine planes.
The strike hit occupied Crimea — and took out a piece of Russia’s aging maritime aviation.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺🇺🇦 The EU has approved changes to the reform plan under the Ukraine Facility, through which Ukraine receives EU assistance.
“Ukraine submitted a request to revise the Ukraine Facility Plan on August 7. […] Following an assessment, the European Commission approved and submitted a proposal to the EU Council on September 18 regarding amendments to the Plan,” said EC spokesperson Guillaume Mercier.
In particular, some deadlines in the sections on energy and financial markets are to be moved forward. This includes the adoption of an electricity integration package and clearer descriptions of reform stages, aimed at ensuring smoother implementation.
The EU Council must now review the document and either make further adjustments or adopt the revised Plan.

🇱🇻Latvia plans to restore wetlands that could serve as natural barriers along the border with Russia and Belarus.
The Ministry of Defense stated it will focus particularly on areas where restoring wetlands can directly support the construction of the “Baltic Defense Line” on the eastern frontier.
Earlier, Finland and Poland had also announced that they are actively exploring wetland restoration both as a means of border defense and in the fight against climate change.

🇳🇴 Oslo Airport was temporarily closed due to drones.
The airport in Norway’s capital shut its airspace around midnight local time and reopened a few hours later.
Norwegian media reported that drones flew over Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle occasionally used for government events.
Oslo police said they arrested two foreign nationals for flying drones in a restricted area.
▪️On the evening of September 22, Denmark’s largest airport in Copenhagen was also shut down because of drones.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained two residents of Kyiv region for supplying Russian forces with Ukrainian SIM cards, which the occupiers used to improve navigation of kamikaze drones during strikes on Ukraine.
During searches, law enforcement officers seized smartphones containing evidence of contacts with an FSB handler and foreign accomplices, as well as mobile SIM cards prepared for shipment to Russia.

At a Security Council meeting, Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscow is allegedly ready to respond to any “strategic threats” from the West not with words, but with “military-technical measures.”
He argued that earlier “destructive steps” taken by Western countries had “seriously undermined the foundation for constructive relations and practical cooperation between nuclear powers,” destabilizing the basis for dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral formats.
Putin added that Russia’s withdrawal from its moratorium on deploying intermediate- and short-range missiles was a “forced step.”

🇵🇱 Poland has refused to extradite a suspected Russian saboteur whom Moscow tried to present as a serious criminal, Gazeta Wyborcza reports, citing law enforcement sources.
The case involves arson attacks on courier parcels at airports across Europe. The saboteurs also explored the possibility of sending parcels with detonators to the U.S. and Canada. Last year, Russian national Oleksandr Bezrukavyi and three Ukrainian citizens were arrested on suspicion of involvement.
Bezrukavyi was initially detained by security services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Local authorities then received two extradition requests — one from Poland and one from Russia. The request from Warsaw was granted.
Moscow claimed he was a serious criminal on an international wanted list. After his extradition to Poland, Russia filed a new request, which Polish authorities rejected.
He now faces charges in Poland of working with Russian intelligence and preparing terrorist activities. Local law enforcement officials believe the evidence will be enough to secure a long prison sentence.

More than 35,000 Hasidic pilgrims have already arrived in Uman for the celebration of the Jewish New Year.
This year, Rosh Hashanah will be observed from September 22 to 24.

Russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia again with air-dropped bombs, killing a man.
Rescuers recovered the body of a 49-year-old man from the rubble of a house.

So that's 3 European airports closed (plus Moscow's) recently due to drone activity.

I seem to think I read somewhere that the individuals arrested in Oslo were from Singapore. I’m going to try and channel a bit of healthy scepticism (as others here very helpfully do when my mind runs away with me!) and wait to confirm if it’s Russia related or just coincidental.

Wonder why no pictures or even a description released of the Copenhagen drones. In July it was announced that Ukraine and Denmark would build drones together.

If I was a betting person I'd guess the airport nusance drones will be of the hobby, quad rotor type..nothing like the small aircraft style drones that the Russians and others are building for medium/long range operations.

"Drone" has become a bit of an overused term since it's being used to describe anything from a device the size of shoe box to something the size of a small aircraft.

I've just seen nightime footage of what is supposed to be a drone at Copenhagen airport.

I hope we are not going to get a repeat of what went on in the US last autumn....

Are you able to share? I’d be keen to know what your analysis is of what went on. I saw they were described as “large” but absolutely no idea if by that we’re talking 6ft long or 60ft long!

I'm not sure if this link will work but embedded within is a short video with a."drone" highlighted by a red box..

https://www.bt.dk/udland/drone-drama-i-koebenhavns-lufthavn

It's poor quality on a phone but on an iPad or better you can make out standard aircraft anticollision lights, navigation lights and some combination of landing/taxi/wing lights.

And once you start educating people that that is what drones look like the problems start...

Ah that’s helpful (despite my thoroughly untrained eye!)

Perhaps a daft question so apologies in advance but why would they close Scandinavia’s largest airport for several hours if they weren’t fairly sure there were drones in the vicinity?

Because if in doubt the authorities seem to take the "you can't be too careful" approach and shut the operation down...now there's a lot of logic to that if drones are seen by ATC personnel or pilots but you've really got to be cautious when it comes to dealing with reports from those who rarely look at airports or aircraft or even the sky at night (and that can include the likes of the police).

The attitude that every report had to be considered genuine and credible, regardless of the origin, pretty much closed Gatwick airport for several days a few years ago, causing massive disruption, yet ultimately no evidence of drone activity was ever found.

Next few nights are going to be interesting.

Trump meeting Zelenskyy

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lzjhnicn4c2b

Q: Do you still trust Putin?

TRUMP: I'll let you know in about a month from now

What will it take for Trump to accept that Putin is not that into him.

This is more promising

https://bsky.app/profile/chadbourn.bsky.social/post/3lzjo5bbpyc2q
This is interesting:

Zelenskyy: “I am very grateful to Trump. I cannot share the details right now. Trump possesses very important information regarding the situation at the front.”

And this
https://bsky.app/profile/chadbourn.bsky.social/post/3lzjmuqx7kk2q

How long until TACO strikes again I guess is the question.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-23-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to fully liberate all of its internationally recognized territory that Russia currently occupies, following a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
2. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) publicly acknowledged Russia’s intent to advance further into Kharkiv Oblast should Russian forces seize Kupyansk, supporting ISW’s assessment of Russia’s operational intent.
3. The Russian MoD’s September 23 statement undermines repeated Russian claims that Russia’s main military objective and territorial demands in Ukraine are limited to Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson oblasts.
4. The Russian MoD may be issuing this statement about Russian operational intent to justify ongoing Russian operations to seize Kupyansk to Russian society and frontline forces.
5. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Borova, Novopavlivka and in the Dobropillya tactical area and western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area and near Siversk.

I wonder how long it is before that information reaches Putin via Trump's cronies. I hope Zelenskyy was careful.

That was my first instinct too, be careful.
Plan A failed, the flattery and promises of deals with Putin resulted in ever heavier attacks on Ukraine.

Is this plan B? Announcing that Ukraine can win back all territory with the help of Europe and the US. Even I think that's just a dream now, but Trump has nothing to lose by saying it, as he's not giving but selling weapons.
Is he hoping to worry Putin, or is it simply petulance at the fact Putin didn't come to heel at plan A? Maybe he has no plans, but makes it up as he goes along.