Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversy over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, directly blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for hindering peace negotiations with Russia due to his unwavering stance on Crimea.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump slammed Zelenskyy’s recent remarks in The Wall Street Journal, where the Ukrainian leader reiterated that Ukraine would never legally recognize Russia's occupation of Crimea. Trump labeled this position “inflammatory,” warning it could derail peace efforts and prolong the war.
“Zelenskyy is boasting that ‘Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea.’ This is very harmful to Peace Negotiations with Russia,” Trump wrote. He went on to argue that Crimea was effectively lost during the Obama administration and should not be a central issue in the current conflict.
“If he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?” Trump added.
He claimed such rhetoric only extends the suffering, saying, “He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country.” Trump emphasized that his interest lies in stopping unnecessary bloodshed, not supporting either side, claiming, “I want to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week.”
Zelenskyy responded diplomatically via social media, acknowledging “high emotions” but reaffirming Ukraine's commitment to diplomacy. “Each side was not just a participant but contributed meaningfully,” he said of recent multinational discussions involving the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and Ukraine. He stressed Ukraine would continue to act in line with its Constitution and pointed to the 2018 Crimea Declaration, where the U.S. reaffirmed it would not recognize Russia’s annexation of the region.
Speaking ahead of an upcoming peace summit in London, Zelenskyy repeated his firm position: “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people.”
Trump, however, remains critical of Zelenskyy personally. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE,” suggesting Zelenskyy accept a deal before the situation worsens. Trump also hinted at possible talks with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, though none have been confirmed.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance threw his support behind a controversial Biden-era proposal that seeks to freeze territorial lines, allowing Russia to retain currently occupied areas. Calling the plan “very fair,” Vance urged Ukraine and Russia to either accept it or risk losing U.S. backing. “It’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the United States to walk away from this process,” he said.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the sharp divide between Trump's pragmatic push for a quick resolution and Zelenskyy’s firm stance on sovereignty highlights the complex and politically sensitive path to peace in Eastern Europe.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)