Trump Criticizes Zelensky’s Crimea Stance Amid Stalled Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

Russia and Ukraine may inceasefire 

 Former President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for his stance refusing to recognize Russian control over Crimea, saying it poses a major obstacle to peace negotiations.

On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump posted: “Statements like Zelenskyy’s make it very difficult to end this war. The situation in Ukraine is dire — he can choose peace or fight for another three years before losing the entire country.”

Any recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea would mark a significant shift in U.S. policy for over a decade and could undermine the international principle against changing borders by force.

Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine’s capital and second-largest city, killing at least one person and wounding about 50.

Trump’s comments came amid a downgraded meeting in London aimed at advancing ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio unexpectedly withdrew due to “logistical issues.” Sources say the U.S. administration did not see a breakthrough near, so Rubio decided not to attend.

After the meeting, Zelensky responded on social media, affirming Ukraine will always abide by its Constitution and expects its partners, especially the U.S., to uphold their commitments. He also shared a 2018 statement by former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejecting Russia’s occupation of Crimea.

The British Foreign Office confirmed that talks would continue at a lower level and remain closed to the media, casting doubt on diplomatic progress to end the conflict.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned the U.S. might abandon negotiations if Russia and Ukraine do not respond to the explicit ceasefire proposal the U.S. has issued. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s European allies, such as the UK and France, continue efforts to bridge differences after a recent Paris meeting.

Replacing Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg will attend the London talks, while another envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to meet President Putin in Russia this week.

The U.S. framework includes recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea and establishing a ceasefire along front lines. However, Zelensky made clear Ukraine cannot accept recognition of Crimea’s occupation because it violates the Constitution.

Regarding whether the U.S. aims to freeze current territorial lines, Vice President Vance said a territorial swap between both sides would likely be necessary to reach a final agreement.

The war has intensified again after a brief Easter ceasefire, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

At the talks, U.S. officials expressed frustration over the lack of progress, while Trump emphasized the need for willingness from both sides to end the conflict.

Moscow had earlier rejected a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but under U.S. pressure, Russia and Ukraine showed willingness to hold direct talks for the first time in years.

On Monday, President Putin mentioned the possibility of direct talks to halt attacks on civilians, although defining civilian targets would require further discussion.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin aims for negotiations with Ukraine’s side.