The President of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed his belief that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is willing to concede Crimea to Russia and showed disappointment with the Kremlin's stance in the negotiations to resolve the conflict. This statement marks a shift in Trump’s position, who previously blamed Ukraine for prolonging the conflict.
During a conversation aboard Air Force 1, Trump mentioned his surprise and disappointment regarding the bombings in Ukraine by Russia after the negotiations. On the same Friday, Trump’s envoy visited Moscow seeking a compromise for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, urging Putin to stop the attacks immediately.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the Trump administration could stop mediating the ceasefire if Ukraine and Russia do not make progress in resolving the conflict. Trump also revealed a conversation with Zelensky in which the Ukrainian president expressed his need for more weaponry to confront Russia. Trump noted that he sees Zelensky as calmer and hopes for progress in the negotiations.
According to Trump, Zelensky is ready to concede Crimea to Russia, arguing that Russia's annexation of the peninsula in 2014 was the responsibility of President Obama. He emphasized that resources cannot continue to be devoted to a conflict without results and stated that Crimea was handed over without the need to fire a shot.
