Trump pushes Zelensky for uneasy peace deal over Ukraine
"The Times," citing its sources, reports that "President Donald Trump's plan regarding maintaining Russian control over the occupied Ukrainian territory is irrefutable."
Key information
- Donald Trump proposes recognizing Russian control over Crimea and other occupied territories of Ukraine.
- The meeting between Trump and Zelensky may take place in Rome during the funeral of Pope Francis.
- The US threatens to withdraw from the peace process if Kyiv does not accept the proposal.
President Donald Trump's proposal to recognize Russian control over occupied Ukrainian territories is causing international tensions. According to "The Times," as referenced by the Polish Press Agency, Trump is pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept peace terms, which include recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea and other territories in eastern and southern Ukraine.
According to sources close to Steve Witkoff, a US envoy, Trump believes that Zelensky "really has no choice" but to accept his proposal. Otherwise, as reported by "The Times," Trump threatens to withdraw from the peace process. The plan stipulates that the territories occupied by Russia will remain under its control, which is irrefutable according to the American president.
The British and French are trying to persuade Trump to meet with Zelensky after the funeral of Pope Francis to ease tensions. However, the Italian government deemed that such a meeting might be inappropriate due to the circumstances. According to Trump's schedule, he will leave St. Peter's Basilica and head to the airport one hour after the funeral.
Washington warns that Kyiv's rejection of the agreement could lead to a prolonged war, leaving Ukraine dependent on Europe for financial and military support. The American administration believes that European public opinion might oppose high spending on supporting Ukraine in the face of an upcoming recession.
"Crimea will stay with Russia"
In an interview with "Time" magazine, Trump stated that "Crimea will stay with Russia." The US president also blamed Kyiv for starting the war, claiming that Ukraine's pursuit of NATO integration provoked Russia to attack.
Zelensky firmly rejects the possibility of legally recognizing the occupation of Crimea, emphasizing that it would contradict the Ukrainian constitution.
