U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for blocking peace efforts, following Zelensky’s firm stance that Ukraine will not recognize Russian control over Crimea.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said that a peace deal was “very close” but claimed that Zelensky’s refusal to accept U.S. terms would only extend the war.
Earlier, Vice President JD Vance shared the U.S. proposal, which involves freezing current territorial boundaries. Ukraine, however, has consistently rejected giving up Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.
Vance added that both sides would likely need to give up some territory. However, the U.S. has not provided clear details on what that would look like.
When asked about recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, Trump said he was focused on ending the war, not choosing sides.
“I just want a deal done,” he said.
Accepting Russian control of Crimea would be politically unacceptable for Zelensky and would go against international laws that prohibit changes in borders by force.
“There’s nothing to negotiate. It’s against our constitution,” Zelensky said.
Meanwhile, Russia launched new attacks across Ukraine. In Kyiv, a missile and drone strike killed two people and injured 54 others, including children and a pregnant woman. Fires broke out from drone debris, trapping some residents under rubble. In Kharkiv, explosions were also reported. Earlier, nine people were killed when a drone hit a bus in Marhanets.
The exchange between Trump and Zelensky reflects their ongoing tense relationship.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said dealing with Russia has been easier than with Ukraine.
“I thought Zelensky would be easier to work with, but it hasn’t been,” he said, adding that he may meet with Zelensky at Pope Francis’s funeral.
On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly said he could end the war in one day. However, with nearly 100 days in office, peace remains out of reach.
“The president is frustrated,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “His patience is wearing thin.”
Vance warned that the U.S. may step back from peace talks if both countries don’t move forward. This echoed previous comments from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The U.S. recently pulled out of a planned meeting in London to focus on talks in Moscow. The London meeting, involving the U.K., France, Germany, Ukraine, and the U.S., was meant to support a ceasefire, but its importance was reduced after Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff withdrew.
Instead, Trump’s envoy, Gen. Keith Kellogg, represented the U.S. in London, while Witkoff will visit Moscow for further talks with President Putin.
British officials were unclear about the reason for the last-minute cancellation, though the U.S. cited logistical challenges.
Ukrainian adviser Yuriy Sak told the BBC that Ukraine’s team in London had a clear goal: to secure a ceasefire and open the door for more negotiations.
Russia has increased attacks following a short pause over the Easter weekend. Although Putin announced a temporary ceasefire, U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey said there was no evidence Russia actually stopped its attacks.
“Putin talks about peace, but continues to stall in negotiations while intensifying the war,” Healey said.
Since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, hundreds of thousands have been killed or injured. Nearly seven million Ukrainians are now refugees. The conflict dates back to 2014 when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was overthrown, and Russia took control of Crimea and backed armed groups in eastern Ukraine.
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