The Crimean Peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014. Trump calls Zelensky's demands for all Russian-occupied territory, including Crimea, to be returned to Ukraine "inflammatory" because it "makes it difficult to end the war".
"That statement is very harmful to the peace negotiations with Russia", Trump writes on his own platform Truth Social and continues:
"Ukraine's situation is terrible – he can have peace or he can fight for three more years before losing the whole country."
Favors Russia
The outburst comes after the US Vice President JD Vance confirmed media reports that the US is proposing a peace solution, which in practice is very favorable to Russia, where Ukraine is expected to give up most of the area currently under Russian control.
Zelensky said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that Ukraine will not recognize the "occupation of Crimea" and that it would be contrary to the country's constitution.
According to Trump, they are "close to an agreement" and "the man without cards to play", namely Zelensky, should get it done.
"Emotions are flowing"
Zelensky comments on the outburst by posting on X a picture of an American declaration from 2018 rejecting the Russian annexation of Crimea. Trump's then Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo urges Russia to follow the fundamental principle of respecting other countries' territorial integrity.
"Emotions are flowing today", Zelensky writes in his post.
He also comments on Wednesday's meeting in London between representatives of Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France, and Germany – and emphasizes how important it is to take part in each other's views.
"We hope that it is precisely such joint work that will lead to a lasting peace."
