Trump: Zelensky is making it harder to end the war

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding Crimea in an interview with the U.S.-based newspaper The Wall Street Journal.

Trump stated, "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal with these words: 'Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to discuss here.'" He added, "This statement is extremely harmful in terms of peace negotiations with Russia because Crimea was lost years ago under the watch of President Barack Obama and is no longer even a subject of discussion."

"WHY DIDN'T THEY FIGHT FOR IT?"

Emphasizing that no one is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, Trump said, "But if he wants Crimea back, why didn't they fight for it 11 years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a single shot being fired? Furthermore, this region hosted Russia's important submarine bases for many years, long before the Obama era."

Trump remarked, "Zelensky's provocative statements like these make it harder to end the war. He has nothing to boast about. The situation for Ukraine is critical. He can either choose peace or fight for another three years before losing the entire country."

"THE MAN WITH NO CARDS LEFT TO PLAY MUST DO THIS NOW"

Stressing that he has no ties to Russia, Trump said, "I am very interested in stopping the senseless death of an average of 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers per week. Zelensky's statement today will serve no purpose other than the continuation of loss of life, and no one wants that. We are very close to a deal; the man who has 'no cards left to play' must do this now. I am looking forward to helping Ukraine and Russia get out of this complete and absolute mess, which would never have started if I were President."

SHARP RESPONSE FROM UKRAINE

Last week, at a meeting held in the French capital, Paris, the U.S. presented an official proposal to Ukrainian officials to end the Russia-Ukraine War. A report in the Washington Post noted that the proposal included provisions for recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and lifting sanctions against Russia. The report stated that in return, Russia would halt hostilities and agree to end the war along the current front lines.

Ukrainian Minister of Economy and First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reacted sharply to the reports, stating, "Ukraine is ready for negotiations, not surrender. There will be no deal that gives Russia the support it needs to regroup and return stronger."