US President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might be ready to relinquish Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace settlement — despite Kyiv's consistent opposition to such concessions.
When asked whether he thought Zelensky would hand over control of the peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, Trump responded: "I think so."
Speaking to reporters after returning from the Vatican — where he briefly met Zelensky during Pope Francis’ funeral proceedings — Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal," insisting that peace could be reached within two weeks.
Trump described his meeting with Zelensky as positive, noting that Crimea was discussed only "very briefly." He remarked that the Ukrainian leader appeared "calmer," possibly referencing their earlier public confrontation at the White House in February.
Kyiv has repeatedly emphasized that territorial issues can only be addressed after a ceasefire is established, firmly rejecting any preconditions involving land concessions.
Neither Zelensky nor Putin has publicly commented on Trump’s latest statements.
Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned against Ukraine accepting any peace terms involving large territorial sacrifices, calling the reported US proposal a "capitulation."
Speaking to German broadcaster ARD, Pistorius said Ukraine should not agree to terms that would leave it substantially diminished, arguing there would be "no added value" compared to opportunities available a year ago.
Trump recently claimed that "most of the major points [of the deal] are agreed to." Reports suggest the proposal may involve Ukraine giving up significant territory occupied by Russia, including Crimea.
While the BBC has not independently verified the full contents of the proposed US plan, Reuters reported seeing documents indicating that Washington might legally recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea and its control over other occupied territories, such as Luhansk.
According to Reuters, European and Ukrainian counter-proposals insist that discussions over occupied lands should only occur after a ceasefire.
The US plan reportedly also blocks Ukraine’s membership in NATO, proposing instead a UK- and France-led security guarantee without direct American involvement. European leaders, however, want Washington to offer a stronger, NATO-style security commitment.
Additionally, the US plan envisions international control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant — currently under Russian occupation — to provide electricity to both Ukraine and Russia. In contrast, the counter-proposals exclude any provision of power to Russia.
In a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump again blamed Ukraine for provoking the conflict through its NATO aspirations and stated, "Crimea will stay with Russia."
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on both Moscow and Kyiv to move swiftly toward a peace agreement, telling NBC: "It needs to happen soon," and warning that US commitment to the negotiation process could wane without progress.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and currently holds control over roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Sources: BBC
SMS/
