Trump Urges Ukraine to Accept Crimea Deal as Condition for Continued US Support

By Staff, Agencies

Tensions flared again between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Wednesday over stalled efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Trump rebuked Zelensky for refusing to accept Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea—a key sticking point in the US-backed peace proposal.

Trump’s Vice President JD Vance, speaking from India, warned that unless Russia and Ukraine agree to the current US peace plan, Washington could withdraw from negotiations altogether.

The plan reportedly involves freezing the conflict along existing frontlines and recognizing Russia’s hold over Crimea as part of a long-term settlement. Vance stated, "The only way to stop the killing is for both armies to freeze the conflict."

Since returning to office in January, Trump has shifted US policy, urging Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire while easing pressure on Russia.

The latest peace proposal, according to Western officials, calls not only for acknowledging Russia’s control of Crimea but also its occupation of about 20% of Ukrainian territory gained since 2022. It also rules out Ukraine’s future NATO membership and suggests lifting Western sanctions on Moscow.

Zelensky responded firmly on Tuesday, rejecting any suggestion of ceding Crimea, saying, "This is against our constitution." Trump labeled Zelensky’s stance as inflammatory, claiming on Truth Social that Crimea was lost years ago and is "not even a point of discussion."

Despite this, Zelensky later posted on X that although talks in London were tense, he remains hopeful for continued cooperation and reaffirmed Ukraine’s constitutional position.

Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff has presented the same proposal at a recent meeting in Paris, with diplomats indicating the terms heavily favor Russia. Witkoff, who has already met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times, is set to return to Moscow for another round of talks.

Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg echoed the administration’s message, saying on X: "It’s time to move forward on President Trump’s UKR-RU war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace and put America First."

A broader ministerial meeting in London was canceled after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dropped out, reflecting growing rifts between Washington, Kiev and European allies. Nevertheless, Britain, France and Germany issued a joint statement affirming their support for Trump’s push to achieve a "just and lasting peace."

Meanwhile, efforts to present a united front continue as European countries attempt to balance support for Ukraine with keeping the US engaged in the peace process.