Trump Reiterates Crimea Belongs with Russia, Downplays Possible Meeting with Putin
Russia will continue to assert control over Crimea.
Donald Trump has said that Crimea will continue to be part of Russia, dismissing questions about the region's future. This statement was made in reference to his discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The "Time" magazine reported the statement, citing the Russian news service, Interfax.
Trump indicated that he believes Crimea has historically been linked to Russia and emphasized that only he can resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict. In past negotiations, Trump has claimed to have come close to a deal, asserting that no other leader could accomplish something similar.
However, Trump has denied any pressure on Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory. On his Truth Social platform, he stated, "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian territory."
Meanwhile, there have been talks about a potential meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin during an upcoming conference in Saudi Arabia. While the details are unclear, it's worth noting that Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has previously held direct discussions with Putin, with the Kremlin expressing openness to unconditional negotiations.
Experts caution that any peace plan that treaties Crimea as Russian territory, freezes frontlines, and blocks Ukraine's NATO membership could breach international law and encourage further Russian aggression. Despite these concerns, Trump's administration remains committed to addressing the issue diplomatically.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, was dismissed by Donald Trump when questioned about the future of Crimea.
- In a statement, Trump asserted that Crimea has a historical connection with Russia and that he, personally, could resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
- Although Trump denied putting pressure on Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, he posted on his Truth Social platform that "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian territory."
- Amid talks of a potential meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has previously held direct discussions with Putin, with the Kremlin expressing openness to unconditional negotiations.
- Diplomatic efforts to address the Crimea issue continue, but experts warn that any peace plan that treats Crimea as Russian territory, freezes frontlines, and blocks Ukraine's NATO membership could breach international law and encourage further Russian aggression.
