Donald Trump accuses Volodymyr Zelensky of sabotaging Ukraine peace talks over Crimea Russia stance
The diplomatic standoff between Washington and Kyiv intensified as US President Donald Trump publicly rebuked Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for rejecting terms that would formalise Russia’s control of Crimea.
In a Truth Social post, Trump asserted that a peace deal was “very close” but accused Mr Zelensky’s resistance of doing ”nothing but prolong” the conflict.
The remarks followed Vice President JD Vance’s outline of a US proposal to “freeze the territorial lines… close to where they are today,” requiring concessions from both sides. Ukraine, however, remains steadfast in its refusal to cede Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Zelensky dismissed any territorial compromises, stating, “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.”
Mr Trump later labeled the comments “inflammatory,” prompting Mr Zelensky to acknowledge, “Emotions have run high today,” while attaching a 2018 letter from former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo affirming US opposition to Crimea’s occupation.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in a strained relationship, which reached a boiling point during a February Oval Office confrontation.
Mr Trump, who campaigned on ending the war “in one day,” has yet to broker a ceasefire 100 days into his term.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt cited Mr Trump’s ‘thin patience,’ clarifying he is not demanding Ukraine recognise Crimea as Russian but criticised Mr Zelensky’s saying “Zelensky seems to be moving in the wrong direction”.
Mr Vance reiterated the US would “walk away” if negotiations stall, a stance echoed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The ultimatum coincided with the abrupt withdrawal of US officials from London talks, where Gen Keith Kellogg represented Washington instead.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Vladimir Putin separately, while British diplomats expressed confusion over the last-minute US absence, attributed by the State Department to logistical issues.
As diplomacy stumbles, violence persists. Russian strikes killed nine in Marhanets post-Easter, despite Mr Putin’s declared truce.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the pause was illusory, stating, “While Putin has said he declared an Easter truce, he broke it, he said. “While Putin says he wants peace, he has rejected a full ceasefire.”
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands have been killed or injured on all sides since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and nearly seven million Ukrainians are refugees worldwide.
The conflict dates back to 2014, when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was overthrown. Russia then annexed Crimea and backed militants in eastern Ukraine, fuelling years of bloody fighting.
