Camilla Jessen
U.S. officials face pressure to include Crimea in peace negotiations.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to recent calls—some from U.S. officials—for Ukraine to consider conceding Crimea in peace talks with Russia by pointing to a foundational U.S. policy statement that firmly rejects any recognition of territories seized by force.
In a public statement on April 23, Zelenskyy shared a 2018 declaration from former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that affirms the U.S. stance on Crimea.
Known as the “Crimea Declaration,” it explicitly states that the United States does not and will not recognize Russia’s 2014 annexation of the peninsula.
“The United States reaffirms as policy its refusal to recognize the Kremlin’s claims of sovereignty over territory seized by force,” the declaration reads.
It draws a historical comparison to the Welles Declaration of 1940, which similarly rejected the Soviet Union’s annexation of the Baltic states.
Kyiv expects its allies to remain consistent and true to their own declared principles—even as negotiations heat up.
Peace Requires Principles, Not Concessions
Zelenskyy’s remarks came as part of a broader reflection on recent high-level talks involving Ukraine, the U.S., the UK, France, and Germany.
He praised the open and constructive atmosphere, noting that all sides “respectfully heard the others” and contributed meaningfully to the effort to find a path toward peace.
Today was filled with emotions,” Zelenskyy said. “But it is a good sign that five countries came together to bring peace closer… Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, and we are absolutely confident that our partners, especially the United States, will follow their strong commitments.
His comments come in the wake of increased U.S. pressure for Ukraine to consider a compromise over Crimea as part of a broader ceasefire or peace framework.
President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, criticized Zelenskyy’s refusal to negotiate on the issue, calling it a block to progress.