Zelenskyy Prolonging War by Refusing Crimea Deal: Trump

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for rejecting territorial concessions to Russia, claiming the stance is prolonging the war in Ukraine.

“Zelenskyy is hurting peace talks by refusing to even discuss Crimea,” Trump said in a social media post. “If he wanted it so badly, why didn’t they fight for it in 2014 when it was taken without resistance?”

The comments followed Zelenskyy’s defiant speech the day before, where he ruled out any land deals with Moscow. “This is our land — there is nothing to negotiate,” Zelenskyy said ahead of upcoming talks in London with U.S. and European officials.

According to a European diplomatic source, recent U.S.-led negotiations in Paris floated a proposal allowing Russia to keep control of some currently occupied Ukrainian territory. The source, not authorized to speak publicly, said the proposal was labeled “final” by Washington — though initially described as informal ideas.

Trump described Zelenskyy’s rejection as “very harmful” and warned that Ukraine risks dragging the war on for years. “He can have peace now, or fight for three more years and lose the whole country,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. has put forward a “very fair” deal that would freeze territorial lines close to their current positions. “It’s time for both sides to say yes — or for the U.S. to walk away,” Vance said during a trip to India.

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s openness to ceasefire talks but insisted on a complete, unconditional end to Russian attacks. He posted the statement hours after a Russian drone strike killed nine civilians aboard a bus.

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the London talks will involve lower-level officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his participation, raising doubts about American commitment to the process. Rubio had previously called this round of talks potentially decisive for continued U.S. involvement.

Trump, preparing to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, said he’s unsure whether he’ll meet Zelenskyy or European leaders while in Italy. He also said a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Middle East is possible in the near future.