Trump states Zelensky is inclined to cede Crimea to Russia

US President Donald Trump addressed the tension between Ukraine and Russia in a statement to reporters in New Jersey. While emphasizing that Russia must stop its attacks on Ukraine, Trump expressed his disappointment that these attacks continue.

Trump stated that his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican went well, and said that Zelensky is "ready" to leave Crimea to Russia as part of a peace agreement. Referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Trump said, "I think so, yes. Look, Crimea was 12 years ago."

Criticizing former US Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama for allowing Russia to take Crimea "without using weapons," Trump said, "Don't talk to me about Crimea, talk to Obama and Biden. This is Biden's war, not mine. I came to solve this problem, and this problem is causing too many people to die."

Trump noted that he believes Zelensky understands the situation and wants to make a deal. Furthermore, calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop shooting" in Ukraine and sign a peace agreement, he said, "I believe there are boundaries to a deal, and I want Putin to sign this deal."