Synopsis
US President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's remarks about Crimea, stating they are harmful to peace negotiations with Russia. Trump believes Crimea should be considered Russian territory while Zelensky insists on Ukraine's principles. Tensions rise as negotiations seem to stall amidst differing views.Key Takeaways
- Trump criticizes Zelensky's remarks on Crimea.
- US proposes Ukraine recognize Crimea as Russian territory.
- Zelensky refuses to acknowledge Crimea's occupation.
- Negotiations face a stalemate over Ukraine's stance.
- Trump claims a deal for peace is close but blames Zelensky for stubbornness.
Washington, April 24 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that the Ukrainian leader's remarks regarding Crimea are "extremely detrimental to the peace negotiations with Russia".
This latest dispute between Trump and Zelensky centers on Crimea, with the US President believing that the region should be regarded as Russian territory, while Zelensky firmly maintains that Ukraine will uphold its fundamental principles, according to Xinhua news agency.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, but if he desires Crimea, why did he not fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"
"Inflammatory remarks such as Zelensky's complicate efforts to resolve this conflict. He has nothing to take pride in," Trump added, emphasizing that "The situation for Ukraine is dire -- he can choose peace or continue fighting for another three years and risk losing the entire country."
As negotiators convened for the latest round of discussions in London, reports indicate that the US proposal included two significant points aligning with Moscow's position: first, Kyiv formally recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, and second, Ukraine's exclusion from NATO.
Ukraine rejected both points, infuriating President Trump, who has previously threatened to withdraw the US from negotiations due to Kyiv's obstinacy.
Trump criticized the Ukrainian President for not acknowledging that Crimea is now part of Russia, stating, "Crimea was lost years ago and is not even a topic for discussion."
Trump also remarked that Zelensky's statement would only prolong the "killing field" and that "nobody wants that!"
He noted, "We are very close to a deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE."
Zelensky stated on Tuesday that Kyiv is ready to engage in discussions in any format once a possible ceasefire with Russia is achieved, according to the government-run Ukrinform news agency.
However, he emphasized that Ukraine will not legally acknowledge Russia's occupation of Crimea, as it contradicts the nation's Constitution.
This exchange led to President Trump admonishing President Zelensky, stating that the US is attempting to halt the bloodshed in his country.
"We are very close to a deal" for peace, Trump said, placing the blame on the Ukrainian President for his stubbornness, as talks appear to be at a standstill.
President Trump took to social media to issue a sharp critique of Ukraine's Zelensky.
"Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, 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 discuss here.' This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under President Barack Hussein Obama and is not even a point of discussion," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Russia took control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 with minimal resistance from Ukraine at that time.
The action faced condemnation from numerous nations, with only a few countries recognizing Russia's claim to Crimea.
Meanwhile, echoing Donald Trump's sentiments, US Vice President J.D. Vance stated that it is time for Russia and Ukraine to either accept the US peace proposal "or for the US to step away from the process entirely."
Vance explained that America's proposal called for freezing territorial lines "at some level close to their current position" and a "long-term diplomatic settlement that hopefully will lead to enduring peace."
He added, "The only way to truly stop the killing is for both armies to lay down their weapons and freeze this situation."
In response to the US Vice President, Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, mentioned in a post on X that he made it clear to US negotiator Steve Witkoff in London that Ukraine "will stand firm on its core principles during the negotiations" regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Since assuming office in January, Trump has significantly shifted the US approach to the Ukraine conflict.
Rather than imposing punitive measures against Russia like his predecessor Joe Biden, Washington is now urging Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, even if it is unacceptable to Kyiv.
The US appears eager to broker a deal -- any deal -- regardless of whether it benefits Russia or Ukraine.
President Trump, who promised to "end the Russia-Ukraine war in days," aims to be seen as a global peace broker.
Meanwhile, following Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's phone call and the US's foreign policy shift towards Moscow, European nations have rushed to find ways to support Kyiv, which faces an increasingly uncertain future.
