In a controversial turn in efforts to end the war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that Ukraine permanently drop its NATO membership ambitions and accept Russia's control over Crimea, according to a Time magazine interview and leaked diplomatic proposals obtained by Reuters.
During the interview, Trump placed blame for the war on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of sparking the conflict and being responsible for “millions of deaths.” He criticized Zelensky's refusal to cede Crimea and stated that the territory “will stay” with Russia.
“They’ve had their Russians. They’ve had their submarines there for long before any period that we’re talking about,” Trump said, adding that the majority in Crimea speak Russian and that the region has long been aligned with Moscow. He also asserted that Zelensky “understands” Crimea will remain under Russian control.
No NATO, Possible EU Membership
Trump indicated that he does not see a future for Ukraine within NATO, claiming that Kyiv’s bid to join the alliance was a key factor behind the war’s outbreak. “If that weren’t brought up, there would have been a much better chance that it wouldn’t have started,” he stated.
As part of the ongoing peace proposals, the Trump administration has reportedly offered a framework under which Ukraine would forgo NATO membership but retain the option to pursue European Union accession. The proposals include U.S. recognition of Russia's control over Crimea, as well as “de facto” acknowledgment of Russian occupation in parts of Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson.
Ceasefire and Sanctions Relief
The proposal package also includes a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of U.S. and allied sanctions on Russia imposed since 2014, a mineral and economic cooperation agreement, and financial support for Ukraine’s full reconstruction.
While the plan is aimed at ending hostilities, critics have warned that it could amount to rewarding aggression and undermine international law by legitimizing territorial conquest.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)