Trump Suggests Zelensky Ready to Give Up Crimea
Donald Trump said on Sunday that he believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is willing to give up Crimea as part of a future peace deal with Russia, despite repeated rejections from Kyiv. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump said, "Oh, I think so," when asked if Zelensky might concede the territory, adding that Crimea was "given away by Barack 'Hussein' Obama and by Biden" years ago. After their meeting at Pope Francis' funeral, Trump described Zelensky as "calmer" and said, "I think he understands the picture, and I think he wants to make a deal."
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that this week is "very critical" for deciding whether Washington will continue its push for a diplomatic solution. Rubio told NBC's Meet the Press that while there are reasons to be optimistic, "we're close, but we're not close enough." Trump has also voiced frustration, questioning on Truth Social whether Russian President Vladimir Putin actually wants to end the war, writing, "Too many people are dying!!!"
European leaders, however, have pushed back against the idea of Ukraine ceding territory in exchange for a ceasefire. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Kyiv "should not go as far as the latest proposal by the American president," calling it "akin to a capitulation." Ukraine’s government and public remain firmly against formally surrendering Crimea, with lawmaker Oleksandr Merezkho stating, "We will never recognise Crimea as part of Russia."
