Lagatar24 Desk
Washington DC: Former US President Donald Trump has once again launched a sharp attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of hindering peace efforts with Russia through what he called “inflammatory statements” regarding Crimea. Trump’s criticism comes in the wake of Zelenskyy’s firm remarks refusing to acknowledge Russia’s annexation of the region.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump quoted a Wall Street Journal headline where Zelenskyy reportedly said, “Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here.”Calling the statement “very harmful” to peace negotiations, Trump claimed Zelenskyy’s hardline stance is prolonging the war unnecessarily.
Trump: “Crimea Was Lost Under Obama”
Trump argued that the Crimea issue was settled years ago when Russia annexed it in 2014 during Barack Obama’s presidency. “Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian territory,” Trump said, “but if he wanted it, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over without a shot being fired?”
He warned that such rhetoric from the Ukrainian leader could extend the war. “He can have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country,” he posted, adding that his only interest is ending the conflict and saving lives.
Zelenskyy Responds: “We Stand by Our Constitution”
Responding hours later, President Zelenskyy acknowledged the “high emotions” in current diplomacy but reiterated that Ukraine would not accept any compromise over its territorial integrity.
“Ukraine will continue to act according to its Constitution,” Zelenskyy posted, while referencing the 2018 Crimea Declaration from the US State Department, which reaffirms Washington’s refusal to recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea.
Zelenskyy also noted that recent negotiations involving the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine had been constructive and that all parties had made meaningful contributions.
Biden-Era Peace Proposal Faces Resistance
Ahead of a proposed peace summit in London, the Biden administration is reportedly considering a plan to freeze current territorial lines, effectively allowing Russia to retain control over occupied Ukrainian areas. However, this proposal has not been well received in Kyiv, where officials insist on full territorial restoration.
Zelenskyy had earlier stated, “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people.”
Trump Eyes Role as Peace Broker
Trump, who claims he is best positioned to negotiate peace, hinted at a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin but did not confirm any schedule. He also dismissed Zelenskyy as “a man with no cards to play” and urged him to “GET IT DONE.”
US VP Backs Peace Proposal
Vice President JD Vance called the Biden-era peace framework “very fair,” saying the time has come for Ukraine and Russia to decide. “It’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the United States to walk away from this process,” Vance said.
