US President Donald Trump has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of obstructing peace efforts after Kyiv reiterated its refusal to concede Crimea to Russia — a move that could complicate Washington’s evolving peace strategy.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that a deal to end the war in Ukraine was “very close,” but Zelensky’s position “will do nothing but prolong” the conflict. The former president’s remarks came after US Vice-President JD Vance publicly laid out the administration’s emerging framework for a settlement, which includes freezing territorial lines “close to where they are today.”
Zelensky, however, has firmly ruled out relinquishing Crimea — a Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 — stating that any such concession would be “against our constitution.”
“There’s nothing to talk about here,” Zelensky said, reaffirming Kyiv’s long-standing position on the peninsula. “We cannot legitimise occupation.”
Vice-President Vance suggested that both Ukraine and Russia would be required to make territorial compromises as part of the proposed deal. While specifics remain under wraps, the proposal has already triggered concern in Kyiv and other European capitals.
At a White House briefing, Trump deflected questions on whether his administration was seeking to formally recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea. “I have no favourites,” he said. “I want to have a deal done. That’s all.”
However, recognising Crimea as Russian territory would represent a seismic shift in US policy and run counter to international legal principles established after World War II, which prohibit territorial changes through the use of force.
Rising tensions and continued assaults
Amid diplomatic uncertainty, Russia intensified its air assaults across Ukraine overnight, striking multiple cities with missiles and drones. In the capital Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported two deaths and 54 injuries — including children and a pregnant woman — after drone wreckage ignited fires in residential areas. Several people were also reported trapped under rubble.
