US President Donald Trump stated that he believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to concede Crimea to Russia as part of any ceasefire agreement. This remark came as negotiations for a truce entered a critical stage on Monday, with a backdrop of heightened tensions between the two countries since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Trump’s comments followed a meeting with Zelensky during the funeral of Pope Francis. This encounter marked a significant moment as it helped mend relations that had deteriorated after a disagreement between the US and Ukraine in February. When asked whether he thought Zelensky was ready to “give up” Crimea, Trump expressed confidence, despite Zelensky’s repeated assertions that he would never do so.
During their Vatican talks, Trump indicated that they briefly discussed the status of Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014. He noted his desire for Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop shooting” and sign a deal to end the conflict. The US leader has been critical of Putin in recent days, increasing pressure for a resolution.
In an urgent call for peace, Trump noted he would give the diplomatic process “two weeks” to yield results. His comments were echoed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that the coming week would be crucial for advancing negotiations. Despite these diplomatic efforts, frustration persists due to the ongoing devastation of the war, which has resulted in substantial loss of life and territory across eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine has recently launched drone attacks on Russia’s Bryansk region, causing casualties. Washington’s proposed peace plan reportedly includes freezing the front line and accepting Russian control of Crimea in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. However, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned that Ukraine should not agree to extensive territorial concessions as part of the deal.
Europe has shown a desire for a more substantial role in the negotiations, with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer participating in discussions alongside Trump and Zelensky. Meanwhile, Rubio had a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, both acknowledging the existence of “emerging prerequisites” for initiating lengthy peace negotiations.
As the conflict continues, Russia insists on retaining the territory it has claimed and demands the demilitarization of Ukraine, coupled with a halt to Western support. Additionally, North Korea recently confirmed that it has deployed troops to Russia’s Kursk region, marking another significant development in the international implications of the ongoing war. Ukrainian President Zelensky countered by stating that Ukraine’s army is maintaining its presence in Russian territory, underscoring the complexities of the situation.
