Trump hints at Zelensky's readiness to trade Crimea for peace
Donald Trump spoke after his Saturday conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican. The U.S. President expressed his belief that Zelensky is ready to give up Crimea in exchange for lasting peace. He also shared what he currently expects from Vladimir Putin.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump believes that Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to relinquish Crimea to achieve lasting peace.
- Trump expressed surprise and disappointment with the continued Russian bombings of Ukraine.
- Trump's meeting with Zelensky took place in St. Peter's Basilica on the day of Pope Francis' funeral.
During a Sunday conversation with journalists, Donald Trump stated that Volodymyr Zelensky may be ready to give up Crimea in exchange for lasting peace.
The U.S. President reminded everyone that the annexation of Crimea occurred in 2014 when Barack Obama was in the White House. "Crimea was given away by Barack 'Hussein' Obama and by Biden. That's 11 or 12 years ago, that's a long time ago. I don't know how you can bring up Crimea because that's been a long time. Nobody has brought it up for 12 years and now they bring it up now. So I told him, maybe you can go back Obama, ask him why they gave it up. They gave it up without a shot being fired by the way," Trump said.
Trump noted that his Saturday meeting with the Ukrainian President in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was positive, stating that Zelensky seemed calmer compared to their previous meeting in the White House.
Trump commented that he believes the Ukrainian leader understands the situation and is interested in reaching a deal. He also noted that during their meeting at the Vatican, the Ukrainian president once again emphasized his need for more weapons, a point Trump remarked has been repeated over the past three years.
The U.S. President joked that the last meeting with Zelensky took place in one of the nicest offices he's ever been in.
What are Trump's expectations from Russia?
Trump expressed his surprise and disappointment over the continued Russian bombardments of Ukraine, despite previous discussions about ending the war.
He expressed his expectation that Vladimir Putin would end military operations and agree to a peace deal, emphasizing the need for Putin to stop the fighting, engage in dialogue, and formalize an agreement. He also indicated that he believes a framework for such an agreement is already in place.
