"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could end the war with Russia almost immediately if he wanted to, or he could continue the fight. Remember how it all started. Crimea cannot be reclaimed and Ukraine cannot be admitted into NATO. Some things will never change," former US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on 17/8.
Trump also claimed that former US President Barack Obama "lost Crimea 12 years ago" and allowed Russia to control the peninsula "without firing a shot".
These statements came before President Zelensky and several European leaders were scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on 18/8. "Tomorrow will be a big day at the White House. We've never had so many European leaders here at the same time. It's a great honor for me to host them," Trump said.
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President Trump at a joint press conference with President Putin in Alaska on 15/8. Photo: AFP |
President Trump at a joint press conference with President Putin in Alaska on 15/8. Photo: AFP
Russia annexed Crimea after a 2014 referendum, despite opposition from Ukraine, during Obama's presidency. The US and 99 other countries voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution declaring Russia's move illegal.
A peace proposal announced by the US in April would allow Russia to retain most of the territory it has controlled during more than a decade of conflict with Ukraine. In addition, the US would recognize the annexation of Crimea as legal, and Ukraine would have to abandon its ambition to join NATO.
Following his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15/8, Trump suggested the parties should pursue a comprehensive peace agreement to end the Ukraine conflict, rather than a ceasefire.
This is seen as a significant shift in the US president's stance. One of Trump's key demands over the past months has been a ceasefire in Ukraine. This has also been a long-standing goal of President Zelensky and many European leaders.
The former president also stated that the Ukraine conflict would end with territorial concessions and security guarantees from the US. President Zelensky has said Ukraine is willing to discuss territory in a potential agreement, but will not give up areas not currently controlled by Russia.
Huyen Le (According to Reuters, AFP)
