Trump expresses confidence that Zelensky is prepared to cede Crimea to Russia.
In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might concede Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace agreement, despite Kyiv's persistent rejection of similar proposals.
Trump asserted his belief in an interview, stating, "I reckon he's on board." This statement concerns the relinquishment of the peninsula, unlawfully annexed by Russia in 2014, a move vehemently opposed by Ukraine.
Early this week, Trump accused Zelensky of sabotaging peace talks when he declined to acknowledge Russia's annexation of Crimea as a prerequisite for a potential peace agreement.
On April 22, Zelensky rejected the rumored U.S. proposition to acknowledge Russia's claim over Crimea, firmly stating, "There's nothing up for discussion here. This goes against our constitution."
Zelensky emphasized the risks involved in discussions about Crimea, warning they could pave the way for negotiations dictated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He contended that such proposals served Putin's agenda.
Ukraine's constitution, under Article 2, asserts sovereignty over its entire territory, which is deemed indivisible and inviolable. Alterations to Ukraine's territory can only be effected through a nationwide referendum, authorized by the Ukrainian parliament.
Trump also expressed exasperation with Russia and urged Putin to halt hostilities and seal a U.S.-mediated peace deal to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump demanded, "I want him to cease fire, take a seat, and sign the deal." He emphasized, "We have the boundaries of a deal, and I want him to sign it and wrap this up," conveyed growing impatience as the negotiations lingered.
Trump's comments followed a series of deadly missile and drone attacks by Russia in Kyiv, killing 12 people, injuring 90, and affecting six children. "I was disheartened to see missiles being launched, fired by Russia," he commented.
Interestingly, the Trump administration has advocated for U.S. de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea as part of a potential peace agreement in Ukraine. This proposition also encompasses de facto recognition of Russia's occupation of nearly all areas seized since the 2022 invasion[1][2]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected accepting Russia's occupation of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, indicating strong resistance to such concessions[1][2].
Ukrainian lawmakers have voiced stern criticism towards this proposal, cautioning that acknowledging Crimea's annexation could establish a hazardous precedent, potentially inciting more conflicts worldwide. They maintain that Ukraine should not compromise principles established post-World War II[2].
However, the viability of this proposal is riddled with legal and political obstacles. The U.S. Congress has traditionally opposed recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea, suggesting that any agreement might encounter substantial resistance[3].
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his rejection of the U.S. proposition to acknowledge Russia's claim over Crimea, stating, "There's nothing up for discussion here."
- Regarding Trump's assertion that Zelensky might concede Crimea to Russia, Zelensky warned such discussions could pave the way for negotiations dictated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling potential risks.
- In addition to the war-and-conflicts category, this general-news topic also extends to the realm of politics, with Ukraine's constitution and international politics playing significant roles in the dispute over Crimea.
- Despite the U.S. administration's proposal for de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea, Ukrainian lawmakers have expressed strong opposition, fearing that such a move could set a dangerous precedent and further escalate global war-and-conflicts.
