Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Apr 19: In a potential game-changer for the long-running war in Ukraine, the United States is reportedly considering recognising Russia’s control over Crimea as part of a wider peace agreement, according to a media report making waves in diplomatic circles.
The development signals President Donald Trump’s urgency to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, even as talks show signs of stalling. Trump, speaking alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, warned that the US might withdraw its mediation efforts if no breakthrough is achieved soon.
Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014 through a controversial referendum conducted under military occupation, remains internationally disputed territory. Recognising Russia’s sovereignty over the peninsula would mark a significant reversal of long-held Western policy, which has largely refused to legitimise the annexation to uphold international norms against land seizures by force.
While no final decision has been made, sources close to the negotiations confirm that Crimea’s status is now part of the broader conversation. The White House and State Department have declined to officially comment on the development.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has repeatedly sought international validation of his country’s claim over Crimea, has not yet accepted Trump’s proposed peace framework. However, a formal US concession on Crimea could be seen as a major diplomatic win for the Kremlin.
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has drawn a hard line, rejecting any territorial compromises. He criticized US envoy Steve Witkoff during a Thursday address in Kyiv, accusing him of leaning too close to Moscow’s position.
“We will never consider Ukrainian lands as Russian,” Zelensky affirmed.
“There can be no discussion about our territory before a ceasefire.”
Behind the scenes, talks in Paris involving the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine have aimed to lay groundwork for a ceasefire. Proposals floated include:
- Freezing current frontlines,
- Phased easing of sanctions on Russia if attacks cease,
- Removing NATO membership prospects for Ukraine from negotiations — a long-standing Russian demand.
The idea of international peacekeepers and ceasefire monitors has also been discussed, with French President Emmanuel Macron engaging directly with Witkoff on possible frameworks.
Despite these efforts, Moscow appears lukewarm, having just ended a 30-day truce and resuming strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid. Last week, 35 people were killed in Sumy in a Russian missile attack, further straining trust.
Ukraine maintains that any further negotiations must be preceded by a full halt to Russian offensives. As the war drags on, the pressure mounts on all sides — especially Washington — to either find a political off-ramp or redefine their involvement.
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