Lithuanian President warns: Recognizing Crimea ignites risks
The President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, warns that recognizing Russian control over Crimea would be a "time bomb." "It would be a time bomb that keeps exploding over and over again," said Nausėda.
What do you need to know?
- President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda expressed concerns that recognizing Crimea as Russian territory could have long-term negative effects.
- American proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine suggest recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, which has been criticized by Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected the possibility of legally recognizing the occupation of Crimea, emphasizing its contradiction with the Ukrainian constitution.
Why is recognizing Crimea as Russian controversial?
The President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, warned that recognizing Crimea as de jure Russian territory would be a "time bomb." – If we do what is being proposed and recognize Crimea de jure as Russian, it would be a time bomb that keeps exploding over and over again, – said Nausėda. He emphasized that Ukraine, as the country most affected by the conflict, should have the decisive voice in this matter.
President Nausėda pointed out that Ukraine has suffered severe losses due to the conflict, with its infrastructure and economy being destroyed. – So, do they not have the right to express what they think about these proposals? – asked the Lithuanian president rhetorically.
What are the positions of the USA and Ukraine?
Reuters reported that American proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine foresee recognizing Crimea as part of Russia. In an interview with "Time" magazine, US President Donald Trump stated that Crimea will remain with Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the possibility of legally recognizing the occupation of Crimea, stressing that it would contradict the Ukrainian constitution.
