US President Donald Trump has vehemently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Trump calling his statement regarding Crimea "very harmful to the peace negotiations with Russia."
The latest stand-off between the two leaders concerns Crimea. Trump, who believes the region needs to be accepted as belonging to Russia, was irritated by the hesitation of Zelensky to do so, reaffirming Ukraine's stance on its core principles.
Trump proceeded to Truth Social in line with news agency Xinhua to share his dissent and state, "Nobody is asking Zelensky to legitimize Crimea as Russian, but if he wants it, why did they not fight to retain it 11 years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a gun being fired?"
He also added, "It's inflammatory language like Zelensky's that makes it so difficult to bring an end to this conflict. He has nothing to be proud of," and argued that "The situation for Ukraine is desperate. He can have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country."
While negotiations went on in London, it was reported that the US offer had two main points that were in line with Moscow's requirements: official recognition by Kyiv of Crimea as Russian territory and a guarantee that Ukraine will never become a member of NATO. Both offers were turned down by Ukraine, much to Trump's annoyance, who had earlier threatened to pull the US out of the negotiations because of Kyiv's obstinacy.
Trump blasted Zelensky for rejecting the acceptance of Crimea as belonging to Russia. "Crimea was lost long ago and isn't even discussed," Trump exclaimed. Trump further warned that this would only further escalate the bloodshed. "We are near a deal but the man who has 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," Trump additionally said.
Zelensky reaffirmed Tuesday, however, that Ukraine will not legally recognize Russia's occupation of Crimea, citing the fight with the country's Constitution. He told a news agency controlled by the government that he will only negotiate once there is a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Trump grew angry as he accused Zelensky of blocking the peace negotiations. "We are very close to a peace deal," he stated, scolding the Ukrainian president for being stubborn as negotiations seemed to be going off track.
In a second tweet, Trump criticized Zelensky's statement on The Wall Street Journal about Crimea as "very harmful to the peace negotiations with Russia" and reminded Zelensky that Crimea was lost years ago under President Barack Obama. Trump again asserted that Crimea should no longer be a subject of negotiation.
The Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, without much struggle from Ukraine, was universally decried by the international community, though the claim has been accepted by a few countries.
US Vice President J.D. Vance spoke in the sentiments of Trump and urged Russia and Ukraine to take the US offer of peace or the US out of the table altogether. Vance stressed that the initiative involved freezing current territorial boundaries "at some level close to where they are today" as a step towards a lasting peace agreement. He stressed that "The only way to really stop the killing is for the armies to both put down their weapons, and to freeze this thing."
Responding, Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, also reiterated on social media that Ukraine would remain steadfast in its original principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity during the negotiations.
Since entering office, Trump has radically transformed the US policy regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, who sanctioned Russia, Trump is currently attempting to coax Ukraine into committing to a ceasefire, even though it might not be in the interest of Kyiv. The US seems eager to broker an agreement, irrespective of whether it is favorable to Russia or Ukraine.
Trump, who promised to "end the Russia-Ukraine war in days," aims to establish himself as an international peacemaker. Meanwhile, the recent realignment of US foreign policy in favor of Moscow has left European allies scrambling to line up in support of Ukraine, the future of which has become increasingly uncertain.
Read also| PM Modi Co-Chairs Strategic Council with Saudi Crown Prince Before Returning to India
Read also| Global Leaders Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Express Solidarity with India
