US President Donald Trump has claimed that a deal to end the Ukraine war is “very close,” but criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over his refusal to formally cede Crimea to Russia.
“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that make it so difficult to settle this War,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
This comes amid reports that Trump is prepared to accept recognition of annexed Crimea as Russian territory.
US Vice President JD Vance has also indicated that land swaps would be essential to any agreement.
In his post, Trump was referring to Zelensky’s remarks in which he stated that ceding Crimea would contravene Ukraine’s constitution.
“Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea,” Zelensky was quoted as saying. “There is nothing to talk about here.”
Trump lambasted Zelensky over the remarks.
“This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia,” Trump said, adding that if Ukraine “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 added: “The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the ‘killing field,’ and nobody wants that!”
“We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
