He also describes Ukraine's desire to join NATO as the reason for the outbreak of war, and says that he does not see a future for the country in the military alliance.
I do not think they will ever be able to join NATO.
The USA has proposed freezing the front lines in Ukraine and allowing Russia to retain a large part of the country in order to bring an end to the war.
Ukraine and its allies in Europe, on the other hand, argue that a ceasefire is required before negotiations on territory can become relevant.
"Obama's war"
The Times reporter asks whether it would be acceptable to Trump if Crimea and the other four regions that Russia has taken from Ukraine were to be incorporated into Russia in a final agreement.
If Crimea continues as Russian - we can only talk about Crimea because it's always mentioned. Crimea remains Russian. And Zelensky understands that, and everyone understands that it has been theirs for a long time. It has been theirs long before Trump. Again, this is Obama's war. This is a war that should never have existed. I call it the war that should never have happened, says Trump to the newspaper.
Trump accuses former President Barack Obama of Crimea having fallen into Russian hands.
Crimea became Russian. It was given to them by Barack Hussein Obama, and not by me. With that said, will they get it back? They have their Russians. They had their submarines there long before the period we're talking about, for many years. The people of Crimea speak largely Russian. But it was given away by Obama. It was not given away by Trump. Would it have been taken from me, as it was taken from Obama? No, it would not have happened. Crimea, if I had been president then, would not have been taken.
Kristersson regrets
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) dismisses Trump's description.
I deeply regret that the USA is now spreading Russian views on what Crimea is. I deeply regret that, he says in the Riksdag.
It is only Ukraine that in any potential negotiations can define what is Ukrainian territory and what they would be willing to negotiate about. It is incredibly important in order to achieve a peace that is sustainable and fair.
The conflict in Ukraine began in 2014, when Russia took over Crimea and also took control of large parts of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine with the help of paramilitary forces. In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin expanded the war into a full-scale invasion.
