Peace negotiations falter as US pressure mounts on Kyiv to concede Crimea
Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing the Ukrainian president of obstructing peace efforts by refusing to accept Russia’s control over Crimea and occupied regions in eastern Ukraine. The remarks come amid signs that high-level diplomatic talks in London involving the UK, France, Germany, the US, and Ukraine have been significantly downgraded.
Speaking via his social media platform, Truth Social, the US President criticised Ukraine’s stance on the conflict, particularly over Crimea — the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 in a move widely condemned by the international community.
“Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, 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 wrote.
He went on to accuse Mr Zelensky of making “inflammatory statements” that were hampering diplomatic progress. “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s that makes it so difficult to settle this war. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country.”
The comments sparked a sharp reaction from officials in Kyiv and prompted concern among European allies, who are wary of any shift in US policy that would favour Russian territorial claims. Mr Trump later told reporters in the Oval Office that a peace deal remained possible, but he appeared frustrated with Ukraine’s leader.
“I’ve got a deal with Russia,” he said, cryptically. “I’ve got to do a deal with Zelensky. I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky, so far it’s been harder.”
The diplomatic fallout was evident on Wednesday, when high-level talks in London between the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine were quietly downgraded. Expectations for the meeting had been high, but the last-minute withdrawal of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dealt a serious blow. The discussions, which were expected to build on recent ceasefire overtures, were reduced to what sources described as “technical” in nature.
While European nations released a joint statement following the talks — reiterating their commitment to supporting Mr Trump’s stated desire to “stop the killing” — the US notably did not sign on. The statement called the meeting “productive and successful,” though behind the scenes, tensions remained high.
President Zelensky responded diplomatically in a post on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the emotional toll of the day’s developments but maintaining a constructive tone.
More Read
“Emotions have run high today,” he wrote. “Each side contributed meaningfully and respectfully received each other’s positions.” In a subtle rebuke to Mr Trump’s remarks, Zelensky included a screenshot of a 2018 US government statement condemning Russia’s occupation of Crimea during Mr Trump’s first term.
“We are grateful to our partners. Ukraine will always act in accordance with its constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners — in particular the USA — will act in line with their strong decisions,” he added.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on into its third year, pressure is mounting on all sides to find a path to peace. However, with Mr Trump’s rhetoric becoming increasingly combative and the US administration appearing divided on how to proceed, hopes for a swift resolution remain uncertain.
European diplomats are said to be deeply concerned that Washington’s shifting tone could embolden Russia while weakening Kyiv’s negotiating position. For now, the future of Ukraine — and the West’s unity — hangs in a delicate balance.
