Trump blames Zelensky for stalled peace talks with Russia
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US President Donald Trump warned his Ukrainian counterpart that he could either reach a peace agreement or continue fighting for "another three years".
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A woman walks by a destroyed building in Kupiansk, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 (AP)
The Ukrainian government is concerned that US President Donald Trump may hold Kiev responsible for the collapse of peace efforts with Russia and decide to cut off further military aid, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, citing Ukrainian officials.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would not recognize Crimea as part of Russia, stating that "there’s nothing to discuss here."
Trump warns Zelensky of prolonged conflict over Crimea
Responding to Zelensky's remarks, Trump stated that such a position would only prolong the conflict with Russia. He cautioned that Zelensky could either reach a peace agreement or continue fighting for "another three years" before risking the loss of "the whole country."
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office announced that foreign minister-level talks on Ukraine, initially scheduled to be held in London, have been postponed and will now take place at a lower diplomatic level.
According to Sky News, French and German foreign ministers canceled their planned visits after US State Secretary Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff also withdrew from the talks.
Trump slams Zelensky over Crimea
"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory," Trump added, "but if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"
He warned that Zelensky's stance would only "prolong the 'killing field,'" and claimed that an agreement was within reach. "The man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," Trump concluded.
These remarks come as The Washington Post reported that Trump's team is drafting a peace proposal that would recognize Crimea as part of the Russian Federation and freeze the current front lines of the war.
The plan, expected to be discussed in upcoming meetings in London, would also offer phased sanctions relief to Moscow in exchange for a halt in hostilities, marking a dramatic shift from over a decade of US foreign policy.
Trump hints that deal is closed with Russia, pending Ukraine's cooperation
Later, addressing reporters, Trump said a deal was "very close" but Zelensky was proving "harder" to negotiate with.
"I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelensky," Trump added.
"I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far it's been harder," he said.
