He can lose whole country - Trump slams Zelenskyy's remarks on Crimea

Trump pointed out that The Wall Street Journal published a photo of Zelenskyy alongside his statement saying, "Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There's nothing to talk about here."

According to Trump, such remarks undermine peace negotiations with Russia, as Crimea was lost many years ago under then-US President Barack Obama and is no longer a matter for discussion.

"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory, but 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? The area also houses, for many years before "the Obama handover," major Russian submarine bases. It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War," Trump said.

He said that the situation for Ukraine is difficult now: "He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country".

"I have nothing to do with Russia, but 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," the President emphasized.

The American President believes that Zelenskyy's statement on Crimea "will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field,' and nobody wants that."

"We are very close to a deal, but the man with "no cards to play" should now, finally, get it done. I look forward to being able to help Ukraine and Russia get out of this complete and total mess, that would have never started if I were President!" Trump wrote.

Rumors of a US initiative

Ahead of the London talks, The Washington Post reported that the United States was expected to present its proposals for a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow during negotiations with Ukraine, the UK, and France.

According to the report, the US could potentially recognize Crimea as Russian and might also propose lifting anti-Russian sanctions. In return, Moscow would be required to cease all hostilities, effectively freezing the war.

In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that any discussions about Crimea, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, or NATO were speculative, as an unconditional ceasefire remains the essential prerequisite for any meaningful talks between Ukraine and Russia.

RBC-Ukraine previously wrote about Trump's possible last attempt, whether the United States is close to a peace agreement in Ukraine, and what Putin might be planning.