On Wednesday, Ukraine firmly rejected pressure from the United States to make peace concessions to Russia. Former President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to accept Russian control over Crimea. Trump warned that Ukraine risks further war unless it agrees to a deal soon. Meanwhile, Zelensky insisted that a full ceasefire must come first. The disagreement has caused a growing gap between Washington and Kyiv.
Ukraine Pushes Back on Peace Proposal
U.S. officials recently proposed a deal that included leaving Russia in control of 20% of Ukraine’s land. The deal would also deny Ukraine NATO membership and lift sanctions on Russia. This plan reportedly included the U.S. recognizing Russia’s takeover of Crimea.
Trump posted on Truth Social, saying Zelensky was “boasting” when he said Ukraine would never recognize Crimea as Russian. Trump added, “He can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country.”
However, Trump also said that the U.S. is not forcing Ukraine to recognize Crimea’s status as Russian.
Zelensky Stands Firm
President Zelensky responded with calm but firm words. He said Ukraine was grateful for its allies and pointed to a U.S. statement from 2018, which rejected Russia’s claim to Crimea. That declaration, made by then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, called Crimea a “territory seized by force in violation of international law.”
Later that day, Zelensky strongly repeated Ukraine’s position. After a Russian drone attack killed nine workers in the Dnipropetrovsk region, he said, “We insist on an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.”
Ukrainian Officials Echo Zelensky’s Message
Ukraine’s Economy Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Ukraine is ready to negotiate — but not to surrender.” She said there will be no peace deal that allows Russia to regroup and strike harder later.
Svyrydenko also demanded strong security guarantees if NATO membership is not given. “A full ceasefire — on land, in the air, and at sea — is the necessary first step,” she added.
U.S. and European Officials Cancel High-Level Talks
Tensions were visible on Wednesday when U.S. officials canceled meetings in London with Ukrainian representatives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was supposed to attend, dropped out at the last minute. Other foreign ministers followed. The U.S. said this was due to schedule issues, not a change in policy.
Talks in London continued at a lower level, led by Trump’s special envoy Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. Kellogg said discussions were “positive” and it was time to “move forward” on peace efforts.
Vance Warns of U.S. Withdrawal
Vice President JD Vance, speaking from India, warned that the U.S. could walk away from the peace talks if no progress is made. He said a proposal has already been given to both Ukraine and Russia. It would freeze current battle lines and aim for a long-term solution.
“If they don’t accept, we might have to leave the process,” Vance said in Agra.
Russia Comments on the Situation
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that talks failed because of strong disagreements. He confirmed that Russia is still speaking with the U.S. but has no contact with Ukraine or Europe. President Vladimir Putin, however, is open to talks.
More Russian Attacks Raise Alarm
On the same day, Russia launched several deadly attacks in Ukraine. Besides the Dnipropetrovsk drone strike, Russian missiles hit energy systems in the Kherson region. Officials told people to reduce electricity use while crews repaired damage.
Early Thursday, a large airstrike hit Kyiv. Sirens and gunfire filled the air as Ukrainian forces tried to stop incoming drones and missiles.
Ukraine Demands Peace, Not Surrender
Despite growing pressure from the U.S., Ukraine continues to call for a ceasefire before any political talks. President Zelensky plans to join Trump and other leaders in Rome this weekend for the funeral of Pope Francis. Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican, Andrii Yurash, said this might open a chance for more high-level meetings.
