U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over recent statements on Crimea, escalating tensions as peace talks with Russia stall.
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump described Zelenskyy’s remarks as “very harmful to the peace negotiations with Russia.” He wrote, “Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?”
Zelenskyy had stated earlier that Kyiv is prepared to engage in talks in any format once a potential ceasefire with Russia is established, according to the government-run Ukrinform news agency. However, he emphasized that Ukraine would not legally recognize Russia’s occupation of Crimea, as it contradicts the nation’s constitution.
“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that make it so difficult to settle this war,” Trump added. “He has nothing to boast about. The situation for Ukraine is dire—he can have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country.”
Trump expressed concern that Zelenskyy’s stance would only prolong the conflict, extending the “killing field” that “nobody wants.” He urged, “We are very close to a deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, get it done.”
According to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s patience is “running very thin” weeks into a U.S.-initiated peace process.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy acknowledged that recent talks in London among U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials were marked by high emotions but expressed hope that future collaboration would lead to peace.
Complicating matters, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his trip to attend the London talks, leading to the cancellation of a broader meeting with foreign ministers from Ukraine, Britain, France, and Germany. The move highlights the widening gaps between Washington, Kyiv, and European allies over strategies to end the war.
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, reported positive discussions in London with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. “It’s time to move forward on President Trump’s Ukraine-Russia war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace, and put America first,” Kellogg stated on X.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin again on Friday, according to a U.S. official. Witkoff has met with Putin three times to discuss prospects for ending the war and is scheduled to visit Moscow this week for further talks, the White House confirmed earlier.
