Trump blames Zelenskyy for prolonging Ukraine war over Crimea stance

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of extending the conflict with Russia by refusing to cede Crimea, as US and European officials continue to push for a peace deal.

Trump’s comments came a day after Zelenskyy ruled out surrendering any Ukrainian territory ahead of planned talks in London with American and European representatives. “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said on Tuesday, AP reported.

Last week in Paris, US officials reportedly floated a proposal that would allow Russia to retain control of some occupied Ukrainian territories, according to a European official familiar with the discussions. The official, who spoke anonymously, claimed the proposal was presented as final despite earlier being described as just a set of ideas.

‘Very harmful’ to peace process: Trump

 Slamming Zelenskyy’s stance, Trump called it “very harmful” to the peace process. “Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise 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?” he posted on social media.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 following a swift military takeover. Soon after, Moscow-backed separatists launched an armed uprising in eastern Ukraine.

Trump also claimed a deal was within reach, stating that Zelenskyy now faces a choice between peace and prolonged war. “He can fight for another three years before losing the whole country,” Trump said, adding that the Ukrainian president’s resistance would only prolong the “killing field”.

Talks set for Wednesday in London were scaled down at the last minute. US Vice President JD Vance, currently in India, said negotiations had reached a critical juncture. “We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the United States to walk away from this process,” he told reporters.

‘Very fair proposal’, says JD Vance

Vance described the proposal as “very fair”, suggesting it would freeze current territorial lines and require both sides to make concessions. However, he did not offer further specifics.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to enter into any negotiation format that could bring about a ceasefire and pave the way for broader peace talks. His statement followed a deadly Russian drone strike that killed nine civilians travelling on a bus.

“We insist on an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said in a post on social media, referring to a proposal he said the US had made six weeks earlier.

Ukrainian and several Western European leaders have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying the ceasefire talks while seeking further territorial gains. Analysts say Moscow, enjoying recent battlefield momentum, has little incentive to compromise.

Trump, who is due to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome this Saturday, said he was unsure whether he would meet with Zelenskyy or European leaders during his visit. He added that he finds negotiations with Zelenskyy “harder than dealing with the Russians”.

US President is also scheduled to travel to the Middle East next month and hinted at a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia or shortly afterwards.