Trump바카라s Crimea comments and U.S. pressure tactics jolt fragile peace efforts in Ukraine
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 Zelensky바카라s stance on Crimea.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
바카라It바카라s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy바카라s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire 바카라 He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.바카라
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:
바카라Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, which clearly states: the territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable. Crimea is Ukraine.바카라
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:
바카라Then Russia will clearly get what it wants.바카라
She added: 바카라Crimea is Ukraine. For those under occupation, it's vital that others do not acknowledge it as Russian.바카라
Kallas said it would be a mistake to reward Russia바카라s annexation in any ceasefire agreement.
바카라They have tools in their hands to use, actually, to pressure Russia. They haven바카라t 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?바카라
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.
바카라We바카라ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and Ukrainians,바카라 said U.S. Vice President JD Vance. 바카라It바카라s time for them to either say yes or for the US to walk away from this process.바카라
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.
Trump바카라s 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 Putin바카라s interest in negotiations, according to Interfax.
In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said:
바카라The negotiations are hopefully moving in the right direction,바카라 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.
바카라Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to talk about. It is against our constitution.바카라
European officials continue to state they will not recognize Russia바카라s annexation of Crimea. UK Foreign Secretary David Lemmy said:
바카라This is a critical moment for Ukraine, the UK and Euro-Atlantic security.바카라
The future of negotiations remains uncertain as discussions continue in Europe and Washington.