US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Ukrainian President Voldimia Zelensky of expanding the conflict with Russia by refusing to transfer Crimea as US and European officials continue to seek peace deals.
Trump’s comments came the day after Zelensky ruled out Ukrainian territory prior to planned consultations in London with American and European representatives. “There’s nothing to talk about. It’s our land, the land of Ukrainian people,” Zelensky said Tuesday, the AP reported.
Last week in Paris, US officials reportedly came up with a proposal to allow Russia to maintain control of the occupied Ukrainian territory, according to European officials familiar with the debate. An official, who spoke anonymously, argued that the proposal was presented as final, despite previously described as a set of ideas.
“Very harmful” to the peace process: Trump
Hitting Zelensky’s stance, Trump called the peace process “very harmful.” “No one asks Zelenki to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it when they were handed over to Russia without being fired?” he posted on social media.
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a rapid military acquisition. Soon after, Moscow-backed separatists launched an armed uprising in eastern Ukraine.
Trump also said Zelenskyy faced a choice of peace and long-term war, claiming that the deal was within reach. “He can fight for three more years before losing the nation,” Trump said, adding that the Ukrainian president’s resistance would only extend the “sacrificed field.”
The talk set for Wednesday in London was reduced at the last minute. JD Vance, the US vice president currently in India, said negotiations have reached a critical time. “We have issued a very explicit proposal for both Russians and Ukrainians. It’s time for them to say ‘yes’ or leave the US from this process,” he told reporters.
“A very fair proposal,” says JD Vance.
Vance described the proposal as “very fair,” suggesting that the current territorial line should be frozen and concessions to both sides. However, he did not provide further details.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has been repeated in Ukraine’s preparations to enter a form of negotiation that could lead to a ceasefire and pave the way for wider peace negotiations. His statement follows a fatal Russian drone strike that killed nine civilians traveling by bus.
“We advocate for an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire,” Zelensky mentioned in a social media post about the proposal the US said had made six weeks ago.
Ukrainians and several Western European leaders accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying the ceasefire talks while seeking further territorial interests. Analysts say Moscow has enjoyed the recent battlefield momentum and there is little incentive to compromise.
Trump, who is scheduled to attend Pope Francis’ funeral this Saturday in Rome, said he doesn’t know if he will meet Zelensky and European leaders during his visit. He added that he found negotiations with Zelensky “it’s more difficult than dealing with Russians.”
The US president is also scheduled to travel to the Middle East next month, suggesting a potential meeting with Saudi Arabia or Russian President Vladimir Putin soon thereafter.
