Trump Criticizes Zelensky's Rejection of Crimea Annexation as "Damaging to Peace Talks"

Zelensky's Remarks Criticized as "Provocative"
Ukraine Effectively Rejects Proposal to Recognize Russian Annexation of Crimea, Citing Constitutional Violation

On April 23 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for opposing a U.S. proposal that would recognize Crimea as Russian territory, calling Zelensky's remarks "very damaging to peace negotiations."

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President Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social that "Crimea is not even a focus of discussion," expressing his criticism.

President Trump questioned, "If he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it 11 years ago?" He added, "Provocative statements like Zelensky's make it very difficult to resolve the war."

He also said that President Zelensky's recent remarks about Crimea will "only prolong the 'killing fields'," urging Zelensky to change his position by stating, "We are very close to an agreement."

President Zelensky rejected the proposal, reportedly part of a U.S. plan to end the war, which would recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea. At a press conference on April 22, he said, "There is no need to even discuss recognizing Crimea as Russian territory. That would violate our constitution," adding, "This is our territory and the territory of the Ukrainian people."

Previously, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. had delivered confidential documents to Ukraine and European parties containing the Trump administration's plan to end the war, including recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea and excluding Ukraine from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Zelensky also said that Ukraine had not officially received such a proposal from the United States, and stated, "Ukraine would immediately reject any official proposal."

Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Russia on April 25 to meet with President Vladimir Putin and discuss possible ways to end the war, according to CNN. Witkoff has previously visited Russia three times to meet with President Putin.