In a blistering attack, former US President Donald Trump has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of prolonging the “killing field” in Ukraine by refusing to cede Crimea to Russia as part of a proposed peace agreement.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump criticised Zelensky’s stance on Crimea, saying it was “making it so difficult to settle” the war and warning that continued resistance could lead to Ukraine’s total loss. “If he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?” Mr Trump posted. “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s that make peace impossible. He has nothing to boast about!”
His remarks followed reports that peace talks hosted in London by Foreign Secretary David Lammy had been downgraded to technical-level discussions after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opted not to attend. The Biden-Trump transitional administration is said to be pushing Kyiv to recognise Russia’s hold over Crimea and other occupied regions as a condition for peace.
Meanwhile, JD Vance, Mr Trump’s vice president and a prominent Republican senator, issued an ultimatum to both Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky, urging them to accept the US-backed peace proposal. “It’s time for them to either say ‘yes’, or for the United States to walk away from this process,” Vance said. “We’ve been more than fair in our approach.”
Ukrainian officials have stood firm on their refusal to accept Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Mr Zelensky has repeatedly insisted that acknowledging the annexation would violate Ukraine’s constitution and reward aggression.
Speaking from Kyiv, Mr Zelensky said: “We are ready to sit down in any format once a ceasefire is declared. But there can be no discussion of terms while the killing continues. Ukraine’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation.”
Despite Trump’s claims, Western diplomatic sources believe Moscow’s overtures may be tactical rather than genuine. According to the Financial Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin signalled during a meeting with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, that he might accept a ceasefire along current front lines and relinquish some demands—although this is widely seen as a move to buy time.
The report noted that Putin is willing to offer a halt to hostilities in exchange for Kyiv acknowledging partial Russian control over the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions—territories Russia does not fully control despite its claims. European officials briefed on the discussions described it as the first potential softening of Russia’s maximalist goals since the war began.
However, former US Ambassador to Ukraine William B Taylor expressed scepticism, warning on Times Radio that “Putin is stringing Trump along” and using the former president’s desire for a diplomatic victory to shift pressure away from Moscow. “Trump’s threat to walk away is merely a pressure tactic,” Taylor said.
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The Washington Post also reported that US officials had floated the idea of freezing the war’s front lines and recognising Crimea as Russian as part of a settlement—another controversial move likely to fuel outrage among Ukraine’s European allies.
Domestically, Trump’s latest remarks have ignited renewed debate over the US’s role in the conflict. Critics say the former president is undermining Ukraine’s right to self-determination, while supporters argue he is advocating for a pragmatic end to the war.
Despite the increasing tension, talks are expected to continue, with Mr Witkoff scheduled to return to Russia later this week. Whether those discussions lead to progress or prove to be a diplomatic dead end remains to be seen.
For now, both sides appear entrenched—Ukraine demanding full territorial integrity and Russia hedging its demands, with the US floating increasingly controversial compromises. As the conflict drags into its fourth year, hopes for a swift resolution seem as elusive as ever.
