Donald Trump said he believes Ukraine may give up Crimea and urged Vladimir Putin to stop the violence after Zelensky meeting at funeral.
Trump Sparks Controversy with Bold Claim on Crimea Peace Deal
Former President Donald Trump has ignited fresh debate with provocative remarks about Ukraine’s position on Crimea. He suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may be open to ceding the contested territory in exchange for peace with Russia.
Trump’s statement, made following a private conversation with Zelensky, has fueled widespread discussion about Ukraine’s sovereignty and the future of the war-torn region.
The two leaders met at Pope Francis’s funeral—marking their first face-to-face encounter since a tense White House summit in February. According to Trump, their brief exchange included talk of Crimea, a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict and a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
Trump Calls on Putin to ‘Stop Shooting’ and Sign Peace Deal
In a striking appeal, former President Donald Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the war in Ukraine by agreeing to a peace deal.
“I want him to stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal,” Trump said on Sunday when asked about his expectations for the Russian leader.
Trump emphasized his belief that the framework for an agreement already exists. “We have the confines of a deal, I believe, and I want him to sign it,” he added, underscoring his push for a swift resolution to the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Zelensky Stands Firm: Crimea Is Ukraine
Despite Trump’s controversial remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has maintained a resolute stance on Crimea, reaffirming that the peninsula remains an inseparable part of Ukraine.
Zelensky has consistently stated that the fate of Crimea lies solely in the hands of the Ukrainian people—not in the terms of any external negotiations. He has also made it clear that Ukraine will never recognize territories seized or temporarily occupied by foreign forces.
“Our sovereignty is not up for debate,” Zelensky declared, reinforcing Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its territorial integrity.
Zelensky Reaffirms: Crimea and All Occupied Territories Belong to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has doubled down on Ukraine’s unwavering stance regarding Crimea and other occupied regions. In a firm declaration, Zelensky stated, “Our position is unchanged: all temporarily occupied territories belong to Ukraine.”
He emphasized the legal and constitutional foundation for this position, adding, “The Constitution of Ukraine states that all temporarily occupied territories are temporarily occupied. They all belong to Ukraine, to the Ukrainian people.” He continued, “Ukraine will not legally recognize any temporarily occupied territories. This is not only a fair position—it is a legal one, grounded in both Ukrainian law and international law.”
Russia Sets Conditions for Negotiation
While Russia has expressed openness to negotiations, it has attached firm preconditions—chief among them, Ukraine’s recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and other disputed regions. Russian officials have made it clear that without such acknowledgment, meaningful peace talks cannot advance.
Trump’s Proposal Raises Legal and Political Alarms
Former President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine might consider ceding Crimea as part of a peace agreement has raised red flags among legal experts and Ukrainian lawmakers. Many warn that any peace plan requiring Ukraine to recognize Russian control over Crimea could carry profound legal and geopolitical consequences.
Ukrainian lawmakers have strongly rejected such concessions, arguing that they would undermine national sovereignty and potentially amount to treason.
Ongoing War in Ukraine: Violence Persists Amid Stalled Peace Efforts
The conflict in Ukraine continues to rage more than a decade after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014—and three years since its full-scale invasion in 2022. The war has left a devastating toll, with tens of thousands killed and vast regions reduced to rubble.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government remain steadfast in their call for international security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. Zelensky has repeatedly pointed to documented ceasefire violations by Russia as evidence of the immense difficulty in securing a lasting peace.
Despite former President Donald Trump’s attempts to broker a deal, tensions on the ground remain high, with active military operations ongoing on both sides.
U.S. May Rethink Role as Mediator
Trump has suggested that the United States may step back from its mediating role if negotiations fail to show swift progress. He indicated a narrow window for diplomacy, stating he would allow approximately two weeks to determine whether meaningful advancements could be made.
Rubio Urges Critical Week Ahead for Peace Efforts
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stressed the urgency of the coming week, acknowledging that while a peace deal may be within reach, significant hurdles remain. “We’re close, but we’re not close enough,” Rubio told NBC, emphasizing that more work is needed to halt the ongoing conflict. “I think this is going to be a very critical week.”
Both the United States and Ukraine have expressed frustration with the slow pace of peace talks. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the fighting continues to wreak havoc in eastern Ukraine, leaving entire regions in ruins.
While Russian officials have signaled their willingness to negotiate, their preconditions—such as recognizing Russia’s claims over Crimea—have complicated the path to a peaceful resolution.
