Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Apr 24: US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that his recent comments on Crimea are "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia", reigniting tensions between the two leaders over the contested territory.
Trump, who has long maintained that Crimea should be considered Russian territory, criticized Zelensky's firm stance that Ukraine would never legally recognise Russia’s 2014 annexation of the peninsula.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump wrote, “Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?”
The former president’s remarks come at a sensitive time as peace negotiators meet in London to discuss a potential ceasefire. According to reports, the US has floated a proposal aligned with two of Moscow’s key demands — recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and a formal commitment that Ukraine would never join NATO. Both points were firmly rejected by the Ukrainian side.
Slamming Zelensky’s response, Trump wrote, “The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country. We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
He further accused the Ukrainian leader of prolonging the conflict, calling his recent comments in The Wall Street Journal a stumbling block to progress. “Inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s make it difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about,” Trump added.
Zelensky, however, reiterated Ukraine’s unwavering position, saying, “Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here.” He maintained that any negotiation must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
US Vice President J.D. Vance echoed Trump’s sentiment, stating, “It’s time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to the US peace proposal or for the US to walk away from the process entirely.” Vance described the proposal as a plan to “freeze territorial lines” and move toward a “long-term diplomatic settlement”.
Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, pushed back, saying in a post on X that Ukraine had clearly communicated its position to the US delegation in London and would not compromise on its core principles.
Since Trump returned to office in January, the US has notably shifted its stance on the Ukraine war, veering away from punitive measures against Russia and toward a rapid resolution — even if it means concessions from Kyiv.
Trump has pledged to "end the Russia-Ukraine war in days", aiming to reposition himself as a global peace broker. But critics argue that this new direction risks sidelining Ukraine’s legitimate concerns.
As Washington’s tone grows more conciliatory toward Moscow, European allies are scrambling to bolster Kyiv amid growing uncertainty over future US support.