Trump: Zelenskyy Blocks Peace Deal by Rejecting to Cede Crimea to Russia/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Trump says Zelenskyy’s refusal to cede Crimea is prolonging the war. Zelenskyy insists Ukraine won’t surrender territory ahead of London peace talks. U.S. peace plan faces skepticism as Russia gains ground and diplomacy stalls.
Trump Blames Zelenskyy Over Crimea — Quick Looks
- Trump Targets Zelenskyy: Says Ukraine leader is dragging out war by rejecting Crimea concession
- Peace Deal Push: U.S. proposal would freeze current territorial lines, officials say
- Zelenskyy Responds: “There is nothing to talk about — it is our land”
- Talks in London: Top diplomats downgraded to lower-level officials amid uncertainty
- Deadly Drone Strike: 9 killed as Russia attacks Ukrainian bus during ceasefire talks
- European Doubts: Some allies uneasy over proposed land-for-peace framework
Trump Says Zelenskyy Blocking Peace Deal by Refusing to Cede Crimea to Russia
Deep Looks
KYIV, Ukraine (April 23, 2025) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the war by refusing to consider giving up Crimea to Russia as part of a broader peace deal.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Zelenskyy’s rejection of U.S.-backed proposals was hindering progress:
“The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country. We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
Zelenskyy Firm on Territorial Integrity
Speaking Tuesday, Zelenskyy firmly rejected any notion of surrendering land:
“There is nothing to talk about — it is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people.”
His remarks came ahead of a planned diplomatic meeting in London, initially expected to include top U.S., U.K., French, and Ukrainian officials. The talks were later downgraded to lower-level representatives after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled due to scheduling conflicts.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking from India, said:
“We’ve issued a very explicit proposal… It’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process.”
The proposal reportedly includes freezing current battle lines, which would leave Russia in control of parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea.
Confusion and Frustration Among Allies
European officials expressed concern that the U.S. presented the proposal as “final,” despite initially framing it as “just ideas” during Paris talks last week. Ukrainian officials were blindsided by the shift, according to sources.
One senior European official said:
“If the goal is to obtain a ceasefire immediately, it should be based on the line of contact as it is.”
But some allies are cautious. A permanent agreement that allows Russia to retain land could legitimize the invasion and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ukraine Open to Talks, Not Surrender
Despite rising tensions, Ukraine’s delegation arrived in London and expressed willingness to pursue diplomacy. Presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak reiterated Kyiv’s position:
“Ukraine has been and remains committed to peaceful efforts… toward a just and lasting peace.”
Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko echoed the sentiment:
“Ukraine is ready to negotiate — but not to surrender.”
The Kremlin, meanwhile, dismissed speculation of progress. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said negotiations had not narrowed differences and confirmed U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow this week.
Civilian Deaths as War Rages On
As talks unfolded, the war showed no signs of slowing. On Wednesday, a Russian drone strike killed nine civilians, including eight women, after hitting a bus in Marganets, a town in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region. Over 40 others were injured, local authorities reported.
Trump’s Peace Pitch Meets Resistance
Trump, who has frequently claimed he could end the war in “24 hours,” is reportedly pushing for a deal that aligns with Russia’s current battlefield control. His approach, however, has drawn skepticism even among U.S. allies.
Though Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders remain open to ceasefire discussions, they maintain that any settlement must begin with Russia’s full withdrawal.
“This is not about peace at any price,” said a senior Ukrainian official. “It’s about a sustainable and sovereign Ukraine.”
Where the Talks Stand Now
Wednesday’s scaled-down summit in London included only mid-level representatives. Despite Trump’s insistence that a deal is “close,” the path forward remains murky.
Zelenskyy’s government views any land concession as a betrayal of the Ukrainian people, especially those in occupied territories. Meanwhile, Russia continues to press its military advantage, reducing the incentives to negotiate.
With the 2024 ceasefire agreement now defunct, international observers warn that even a temporary truce may be out of reach without new pressure — or new leadership.
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