US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on April 22, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s refusal to engage in discussions regarding Crimea as part of a potential peace agreement with Russia.
Trump called Zelenskyy’s position “very harmful” to the ongoing peace negotiations, stating that Crimea was lost to Russia years ago under former US President Barack Obama and should no longer be a point of contention.
In his post, Trump questioned why Ukraine did not take action earlier when Crimea was “handed over to Russia without a shot being fired.”
He also emphasized the strategic military importance of the region, pointing out Russia’s longstanding use of Crimea for military bases, including submarine facilities.
Trump further warned that Zelenskyy’s refusal to discuss Crimea could prolong the war, ultimately resulting in more casualties on both sides.
“The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field, ' and nobody wants that,” Trump wrote.
Crimea is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, but Russia attempted to annex it in 2014 following a disputed referendum. The vote, held under military occupation and amid widespread international condemnation, resulted in claims that Crimea had chosen to join Russia. However, Ukraine and the international community, including the United Nations, do not recognize the legitimacy of the referendum or Russia’s control over the peninsula.
“I have nothing to do with Russia, but I have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever,” Trump said.
Trump concluded by asking Zelenskyy to make the necessary concessions to “get it done,” suggesting that a peace agreement was nearly within reach.
In related news, during a press briefing on April 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed reports suggesting the US might recognize Russia’s control of Crimea as part of a peace agreement.
Zelenskyy firmly rejected any recognition of Crimea’s occupation, reiterating that the region remains an integral part of Ukraine.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
