Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Thursday that President Trump blindsided Kyiv’s negotiators during talks in London this week — by switching out an initial “appropriate strategy” for a cease-fire with an unacceptable demand to recognize Crimea as Russian territory.
“The United States of America offered its visions. There was a meeting in London, so there was an appropriate strategy that they proposed constructively,” he told reporters. “Our team, the European team, the US representatives, they did discuss it, and some bullet points emerged on paper after the US proposal.
“After the United States’ proposal, other papers appeared, and I believe that today this format, this document is on the president,” Zelensky added.
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Trump’s plan held that the United States would recognize Ukraine’s Crimea as sovereign Russian territory, departing from an 85-year policy of the US to not recognize annexed territory as belonging to the aggressor.
It also demanded that Ukraine recognize Crimea as Russian-controlled territory, which is against the country’s constitution.
“Anything that goes against our values, our constitution cannot be present in any such agreements,” he said.
Zelensky has previously said that recognizing Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, as sovereign Russian land is a red line for Ukraine.
Further, he said Ukraine being willing to discuss peace with a nation that invaded and slaughtered thousands of innocent Ukrainian civilians was a compromise in itself.
“We had lots of children and adults buried alive, and if Ukraine is still ready to sit at the table of negotiations after the cease-fire agreement with a terrorist who had committed everything on our land, I already see that as a compromise,” Zelensky said Thursday.
While Trump on Wednesday blamed Kyiv for the hold-up, Zelensky reiterated that his country is ready for a peace settlement — and that it’s Russian President Vladimir Putin who has not agreed to the US-proposed unconditional cease-fire.
“We’ve accepted everything suggested by our partners, just excluding pieces that go against our constitution,” he said, referencing the Crimea measure. “Because the fight for our independence, for our sovereignty, for our territorial integrity.”
Zelensky also lamented that Trump is apparently ready to walk away from facilitating the peace process without first using strength to force Russia to the table.
“I do not see any specific, particular pressure on Russia. I don’t hear of any new, dedicated sanction packages against the Russian Federation,” he said. “Maybe it’s for the time being.”
Trump on Thursday claimed without evidence that “we’re putting a lot of pressure on Russia,” but would not provide examples.
“You don’t know what pressure I’m putting on Russia,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “… We are nice people, but we are using a lot of pressure on both.”
While Trump has not followed through on multiple threats to further sanction Russia, Trump has used coercive measures to pressure Ukraine — including a temporary suspension of intelligence sharing and congressionally approved military aid.
Still, Trump chastized Putin on Thursday for Russia’s overnight attack on Kyiv that injured 80 people and killed nine — including two children from the same family.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trumpraged in a Truth Social post.“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”
