Zelensky defies pressure to cede Crimea, rejects ceasefire deal
Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected the proposal to recognize the Russian occupation of Crimea in exchange for a ceasefire. In response to this firm stance, Russia accuses him of "wrecking diplomacy aimed at reaching a peace deal."
Many of the reports provided by Russian media are likely not true. Such reports may be elements of an information war by the Russian Federation.
What do you need to know?
- Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference ruled out the possibility of recognizing the Russian occupation of Crimea, emphasizing that it is contrary to the Ukrainian constitution.
- Giving up Crimea is one of the proposals from the US administration, which has presented Ukraine with scenarios for ending the war, including recognizing the occupation of Crimea in exchange for a ceasefire.
- Russia reacted on Thursday with accusations against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It accuses him of "wrecking diplomacy" aimed at reaching a peace agreement.
How did Russia react to Ukraine's stance on Crimea?
After Volodymyr Zelensky refused this week to recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told reporters that with each passing minute, it becomes increasingly clear that Zelensky lacks the skills necessary to negotiate an agreement to end the war.
Zakharova said that the decisions of European countries to continue supplying arms to Kyiv encourage Zelensky to continue the war, regardless of the casualties. - Their attitude showed some European countries were frightened by the prospect of a Russian victory – said Zakharova.
Why does Zelensky reject recognizing Crimea?
During a Tuesday press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky clearly stated that Ukraine will not recognize the Russian occupation of Crimea. - There's nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution– said Zelensky. Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, considers the peninsula its territory, which is unacceptable to Ukraine and most of the international community.
What are the US proposals?
According to the "Wall Street Journal," the US administration has proposed several settlement options to Ukraine, including recognizing the Russian occupation of Crimea in exchange for a ceasefire. - I was just in the Oval Office with the President and Steve Witkoff, and they wanted everybody to know that the negotiations continue. We feel, again, we're hopefully moving in the right direction - stated White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Is a ceasefire possible?
Zelensky emphasized that Russia should agree to a ceasefire before beginning peace negotiations. Ukraine had previously agreed to a partial ceasefire, but Russia rejected it, agreeing only to limited actions. Both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement.
