Trump pressures Zelensky to compromise on Crimea dispute
"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory," stated the U.S. President on social media. Donald Trump also criticized the stance of the Ukrainian leader, saying it is "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia."
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump criticised Volodymyr Zelensky on social media for his position on Crimea, claiming it is harmful to peace negotiations with Russia.
- The USA has presented Ukraine with a peace proposal that includes recognising Crimea as Russian and accepting current front lines.
- The White House warns that if the parties do not reach an agreement, the USA may withdraw from the negotiations.
"Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, 'Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here.' This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion," Trump writes on Truth Social.
"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? The area also houses, for many years before 'the Obama handover,' major Russian submarine bases. It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War," the statement reads.
"He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country. I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever. The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the "killing field," and nobody wants that!" Trump emphasised.
Plan to end the war in Ukraine
The USA expects a response from Ukraine on the peace proposal, which includes recognising Crimea as Russian and essentially accepting current front lines, informed the Axios portal on Wednesday.
According to sources familiar with the document, the plan includes recognising Crimea as part of Russia and unofficially acknowledging Russian control over nearly all territories occupied since the 2022 invasion.
The one-page document, which the USA delivered to Ukrainian representatives in Paris last week, is described as President Donald Trump's "final offer." The White House notes that if the parties do not reach an agreement soon, the USA is ready to withdraw from the negotiations.
