In a fiery statement on Truth Social, President Donald Trump, aged 78, delivered a sharp rebuke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, painting a grim picture of Ukraine’s future. Trump warned that Zelensky faces a critical choice: pursue peace now or risk “losing the whole Country” after years of prolonged conflict. The message comes amid tense negotiations over a U.S.-proposed peace plan discussed in London, which has sparked heated debate over the status of Crimea.
Crimea: A Flashpoint in Negotiations
Zelensky’s declaration on Tuesday that “Ukraine will not legally recognize the [Russian] occupation of Crimea” drew Trump’s ire, as it clashes with a key element of the peace proposal. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014 during President Barack Obama’s tenure, remains a deeply contentious issue. Trump lambasted Zelensky’s stance, arguing that it undermines negotiations.
“This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion,” Trump wrote. He questioned why Ukraine did not fight for Crimea “eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired,” echoing his decade-old criticism of Obama’s inaction.
Shifting U.S. Foreign Policy
The U.S. proposal, a significant shift in American foreign policy, suggests formally acknowledging Crimea as Russian territory. A senior administration official explained to the New York Post that this move would align with a practical recognition of Russia’s physical control, though not its legal ownership.
This stance draws parallels to the Welles Declaration of 1940, which rejected the Soviet Union’s annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. For 85 laissez-faire, the U.S. has championed this principle, rallying over 50 nations to oppose forced occupations. However, adopting Trump’s plan would mark a departure from this long-standing doctrine, despite a U.S. official’s insistence on Friday that the commitment remains intact.
Trump’s Focus on Zelensky, Not Putin
Trump’s Wednesday message notably avoided criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing instead on Zelensky’s public remarks. “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War,” Trump asserted.
“He has nothing to boast about!” Throughout the peace process, Trump has refrained from punitive measures against Moscow, opting instead to briefly halt intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine to pressure Kyiv into compliance.
A Call to End the “K*lling Field”
The president also referenced a heated February 28 Oval Office confrontation involving himself, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance. Trump emphasized his neutrality, stating, “I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever.”
He warned that Zelensky’s rhetoric risks prolonging the “k*lling field,” urging the Ukrainian leader to seize the moment. “We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
As negotiations teeter on the edge, Trump’s call for peace highlights the high stakes and deep divisions surrounding Ukraine’s future.
The Fairview Gazette will keep you updated on any new developments regarding the Ukraine-Russia war.
