Trump Claims Ukraine Ready to ‘Hand Over’ Crimea

Donald Trump claims that Ukraine is ready to give up Crimea, making the statement after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome.

Trump Speaks After Meeting Zelenskyy

After attending Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump told reporters that he believes Zelenskyy is prepared to “give up” Crimea, according to the BBC.

Contradicting Zelenskyy’s Public Stance

Trump’s comments contradict Zelenskyy’s repeated assertions that Crimea remains an inseparable part of Ukraine, as reported by multiple media outlets.

Ukraine-EU Peace Proposal Leaves Out Crimea Concession

According to Reuters, the Ukraine-EU counterproposal to the U.S. peace plan does not recognize Crimea as Russian but calls for territorial discussions only after a full ceasefire.

Zelenskyy: “Crimea Is Ukrainian”

Last month, Zelenskyy reaffirmed in Oslo that there would be no concessions on Crimea, declaring, “It is a Ukrainian peninsula.”

Ukraine Admits Challenges

However, Zelenskyy admitted Friday that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient weaponry to retake Crimea by force.

Shocking Developments

As early as March, reports suggested that recognizing Crimea as Russian might be part of a U.S.-drafted peace deal — a notion many described as “shocking,” given the global condemnation of Russia’s 2014 annexation.

Global Rejection of Russia’s Annexation

Following the annexation, the U.S., G7, and EU condemned Russia’s actions, stating they were “unacceptable and in violation of international law,” according to a 2014 White House statement.

U.S. Could Step Back From Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington might abandon peace negotiations if no progress is made soon.

Pistorius Slams U.S. Proposal

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the American peace proposal, equating it to a “capitulation” and urging Ukraine not to accept such terms, as reported by The Guardian.