As Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing at least two and injuring dozens, diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine have entered a new phase, following comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky라이브 바카라 stance on Crimea.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“It라이브 바카라 inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy라이브 바카라 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 statement was interpreted by officials in Kyiv and Europe as suggesting Ukraine should consider giving up Crimea to achieve peace. This position departs from the official U.S. stance since 2014, when Russia annexed the territory.
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded:
“Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, which clearly states: the territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable. Crimea is Ukraine.”
He also reposted the 2018 Crimea Declaration by former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, which reiterated U.S. non-recognition of Russian claims to Crimea.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told AFP:
“Then Russia will clearly get what it wants.”
She added: “Crimea is Ukraine. For those under occupation, it's vital that others do not acknowledge it as Russian.”
Kallas said it would be a mistake to reward Russia라이브 바카라 annexation in any ceasefire agreement.
“They have tools in their hands to use, actually, to pressure Russia. They haven’t used those tools... If they are now walking away without using the tools that they have actually in their hands, then my big question mark is, why?”
Talks in London between top diplomats from the U.S., UK, France, Germany and Ukraine were postponed. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed concern about the lack of progress and said the U.S. may end its role in the peace talks if there is no sign of a breakthrough.
“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and Ukrainians,” said U.S. Vice President JD Vance. “It라이브 바카라 time for them to either say yes or for the US to walk away from this process.”
During closed-door discussions in London, U.S. officials introduced a ceasefire framework aimed at reducing the gap between the Russian and Ukrainian positions. Officials said the framework is not final and will be worked on further in cooperation with European and Ukrainian representatives.
Trump라이브 바카라 comments have coincided with public statements from both Russia and Ukraine indicating willingness to resume negotiations. The two sides have not held direct talks since early 2022.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the possibility of a ceasefire to stop strikes on civilian areas. He said further discussion was needed on the definition of civilian targets. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin라이브 바카라 interest in negotiations, according to Interfax.
In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said:
“The negotiations are hopefully moving in the right direction,” and declined to comment on what stepping back from talks would mean for the U.S.
In May 2018, Russia completed a bridge over the Kerch Strait, connecting mainland Russia to Crimea. After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the bridge became a route for military supplies into occupied areas.
Zelensky has said he will not agree to any deal that includes recognition of Crimea as part of Russia.
“Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to talk about. It is against our constitution.”
European officials continue to state they will not recognize Russia라이브 바카라 annexation of Crimea. UK Foreign Secretary David Lemmy said:
“This is a critical moment for Ukraine, the UK and Euro-Atlantic security.”
The future of negotiations remains uncertain as discussions continue in Europe and Washington.
