In a recent interview with Time magazine, former US President Donald Trump asserted that "Crimea will stay with Russia," pushing Ukraine towards making concessions amid its ongoing conflict with Moscow. Trump believes President Volodymyr Zelenskyy understands this reality, claiming that Crimea has been associated with Russia for an extended period.
Trump, who has accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict by resisting negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, insists that Crimea’s historical ties to Russia include its significant Russian-speaking population. He laid the blame for the annexation on former President Barack Obama, stating that the loss of the peninsula occurred long before his own administration.
Amidst this political backdrop, hostilities continue in Ukraine, with Russian forces launching extensive drone strikes. A recent attack in Pavlohrad resulted in the death of three civilians, including a child and a 76-year-old woman. Ukrainian air force officials reported a large bomber campaign targeting five regions, resulting in damage but no additional casualties in some areas.
Trump’s comments come as US officials warn of a potential shift in their stance on military aid to Ukraine if a resolution between the warring parties isn’t achieved soon. This growing frustration is mirrored by the escalation in Russian attacks, which included a fierce drone strike on Kyiv, claiming dozens of lives and drawing condemnation even from Trump. He expressed discontent over the Russian bombardments, urging for a prompt peace agreement.
In a bid for resolution, Trump’s envoy met with Putin for the second time in April, reflecting ongoing attempts to mediate peace talks. However, Trump has publicly accused Zelenskyy of hindering these negotiations by refusing to surrender Crimea—a point the Ukrainian president has described as a non-negotiable “red line.”
In related developments, a senior Russian military officer was killed in a car bombing near Moscow, with the move appearing to be part of a broader pattern of targeted attacks believed to be orchestrated by Ukraine since the onset of the war. These incidents coincide with intensified offensives by Russian troops across various Ukrainian fronts, as Zelenskyy indicated that while Ukraine is open to ceasefire discussions, Russian assaults persist unabated.
As the conflict evolves, Western leaders have voiced concerns that Putin may be dragging negotiations to secure further territorial gains while enjoying battlefield advantages. This precarious situation underscores the complexities of the ongoing war and the challenges faced in reaching a diplomatic resolution.