On April 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to recent remarks from US officials about the status of Crimea by sharing a 2018 statement from former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, reaffirming America’s long-standing position: the United States does not recognize Russia’s claims to territories seized by force.
The statement, originally issued as the “Crimea Declaration,” emphasized that Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine and attempted annexation of Crimea violated fundamental principles of international law. It likened the situation to the Welles Declaration of 1940, which rejected the Soviet Union’s annexation of the Baltic states.
“The United States reaffirms as policy its refusal to recognize the Kremlin’s claims of sovereignty over territory seized by force,” the declaration stated. “In concert with allies, partners, and the international community, the United States rejects Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored.”
Zelenskyy shared the excerpt in response to growing debate over international positions on Crimea, as diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war continue.
He also commented on the progress of recent talks held with representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ukraine:
“Today was filled with emotions. But it is a good sign that five countries came together to bring peace closer — Ukraine, the US, the UK, France, and Germany. Each side expressed its views and respectfully heard the others. It’s important that every participant was not just present, but contributed meaningfully. The American side shared its perspective.
Ukraine and our European partners presented their proposals. And we hope that this kind of joint effort will lead to lasting peace. We are grateful to our partners. 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.”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s refusal to engage in discussions regarding Crimea as part of a potential peace agreement with Russia.
-924c3c302c27387e19f6c44aaeb98745.png "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
