Stunned by the American peace proposal, Crimea's cession is categorically rejected by Ukraine's citizens
Ukraine Balks at Trump's Peace Proposal Recognizing Russian Control over Crimea
In a controversial move, a peace proposal by the Trump administration proposes acknowledging Russia's jurisdiction over Crimea, leaving Ukrainian officials bemused. They adamantly refuse to endorse the territory as part of Russia, dwelling on the consequences of such a concession being politically, legally, and constitutionally untenable.
Giving up Crimea, annexed unlawfully by Russia in 2014, presents a triple-edged challenge. It calls for a constitutional amendment, a nationwide vote, and potentially categorized as treason - principles Ukrainian politicians and the public strongly oppose. "It holds no water," declares Oleksandr Merezkho, a legislator from President Volodymyr Zelensky's party. "We will never accept Crimea as part of Russia."
Unlike surrendering territory, relinquishing Crimea permanently would dash any hopes of recovering it in the future. However, much of the general public has grown accustomed to temporarily ceding land as part of any truce, due to the stark military reality: retaking Crimea is an insurmountable challenge.
Political strategists like Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko have suggested that temporary territorial compromises might be on the table during negotiations, hinting at the flexibility in Ukraine's position. Distancing from an outright defeat is crucial for national morale, especially for citizens under Russian occupation who dream of liberation. Suggesting otherwise would appear as a demoralizing confession, while questioning the sacrifices made by thousands of fallen Ukrainian heroes in the process.
In an interview with Time magazine, President Trump detailed his stance on Crimea: "Crimea will remain with Russia. Zelensky understands that, and so does everyone else that it's been there for quite a while." Responding to reporters' questions, Trump affirmed that Zelensky would probably be inclined to cede Crimea, referring to theannexation as an act of the Obama administration.
Yet, Trump's pressure on Ukraine to make concessions to accelerate an end to the ongoing conflict has raised concerns among critics, who argue he's undermining Ukraine's stance in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Crimea, a strategic Black Sea peninsula, fell under Russian control long before the full-scale invasion of 2022. The takeover unfolded following widespread protests that deposed Ukraine's pro-Kremlin president, Viktor Yanukovich, who had resisted signing an association agreement with the EU.
As peace talks loom, Ukrainian officials have hinted at ceding Crimea and other occupied territories, should negotiations lead to an agreement. Nonetheless, President Zelensky has reiterated that formally surrendering the territory has always been a red line.
U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory would be out of Zelensky's control. However, several obstacles stand in the way even under intense pressure, ranging from domestic political repercussions to potential constitutional crises and legal challenges. Any potential deal would require a national referendum, a highly disputed process that could ignite controversy.
Soldiers on the front lines echo a resolute resolve: "We lost our best men in this war," said a soldier in the Donetsk region, on condition of anonymity. "We will never waver until all Ukrainian territories are free."
Kullab covers news for the Associated Press. AP writer Hanna Arhirova contributed to this report.
Further Reading
Trump insists "Crimea will stay with Russia," as he seeks an end to the conflict in Ukraine
Trump expressed doubts Putin is willing to end the Ukraine war, a day after saying a deal was close
Russia declares a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine for next week to mark Victory Day in World War II
Insights:
- Recognizing Crimea as Russian territory could potentially be deemed illegitimate according to international law, as it undermines the ban on territorial acquisition by force and contradicts provisions of the UN Charter.
- During diplomatic negotiations, Russia has held fast to the requirement of acknowledging its claimed territories (Crimea plus four occupied regions) as a non-negotiable precondition, while Ukraine stipulates the presence of a ban on territorial concessions in its constitution.
- The potential fallout from briefly conceding Crimea during peace talks could have long-lasting consequences, raising questions about Ukraine's commitment and potentially encouraging further Russian territorial claims across the globe.
- The controversial Trump administration peace proposal, recognizing Russia's jurisdiction over Crimea, has left Ukrainian officials baffled and unwilling to endorse the territory as part of Russia.
- Politically, legally, and constitutionally, ceding Crimea to Russia is seen as untenable by Ukrainian politicians and the public.
- The proposed concession could necessitate a constitutional amendment, a nationwide vote, and could be considered treasonous, all principles that Ukrainians vehemently oppose.
- While certain political strategists suggest temporary territorial compromises during negotiations, President Zelensky has maintained that surrendering Crimea is a red line.
- Trump's insistence that "Crimea will stay with Russia" has raised concerns among critics who argue he's undermining Ukraine's stance in negotiations with Putin.
- International law may deem recognizing Crimea as Russian territory illegitimate, as it contradicts the ban on territorial acquisition by force and provisions of the UN Charter.
