President Trump criticized Volodymyr Zelensky for jeopardizing peace negotiations after Zelensky declared that Ukraine would never accept Russian dominance over Crimea. On Truth Social, Trump asserted that a resolution to the conflict was ‘imminent,’ but he warned that Zelensky’s rejection of US proposals would only extend the hostilities. US Vice-President JD Vance had earlier expressed the American perspective on a possible agreement, indicating it would help stabilize existing territorial lines. Ukraine has steadfastly opposed relinquishing Crimea, which Russia unlawfully annexed in 2014.
Vance pointed out that the suggested deal would necessitate both Ukraine and Russia to cede some territories they currently control. However, the administration has not disclosed specific information regarding the territorial compromises required. When questioned about acknowledging Russia’s claim over Crimea,
Trump highlighted his wish for the conflict to end, declaring, ‘I have no biases. I do not intend to support either side. My objective is to reach an agreement.’ Trump acknowledged that recognizing Russia’s unlawful occupation of Crimea would be politically impractical for Zelensky and would violate international laws against changing borders by force. Zelensky has repeatedly rejected any idea of relinquishing Crimea to Russia.
In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that two people died and 54 were injured, including children and a pregnant woman, as a result of Russia’s missile and drone attacks in various areas overnight. The debris from the drones caused several fires, and many people were trapped under the wreckage of a residential building. There is no room for discussion on this issue since it violates our constitution.
In Kharkiv, which is in the northeast, there were reports of explosions happening in the city. Earlier, nine people died and many others were hurt in Marhanets, an eastern Ukrainian city, because of a Russian drone attack on a bus carrying workers. The ongoing talks between Trump and Zelensky show the latest updates in a relationship that has often been rocky. Back in February, the two leaders had a heated conversation in the Oval Office.
On Wednesday, Trump said he found it easier to negotiate with Russia than with Ukraine. He believes that Russia is close to making a deal with the Kremlin, while making progress with Ukraine has been tough. Trump mentioned, ‘I thought it would be simpler to talk to Zelensky, but so far, it has been harder.’ He also hinted at the chance of meeting the Ukrainian president during the gathering of world leaders for Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has claimed he could fix the Ukraine-Russia conflict in just one day; however, as he approaches his 100th day in office, a ceasefire is still not in sight.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that ‘the president is feeling frustrated, and his patience is running out.’ On Wednesday, Vance warned that the US might ‘step back’ from its role in negotiations if Russia and Ukraine can’t come to an agreement, echoing sentiments previously shared by Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Moreover, US officials decided not to attend a meeting in London to focus on talks in Moscow, as efforts to end the war heat up. The London talks, which included representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Ukraine, and the US aimed at reaching a ceasefire, were downgraded this week after Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulled out.
Gen Keith Kellogg, who serves as Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, engaged in discussions in London, while Witkoff prepares for his fourth meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Russia. British diplomats said they were entirely not clear about the reasons for Rubio and Witkoff’s absence from the London talks.
Although the US State Department attributed this to logistical challenges, it was clear that the decision was made abruptly, leaving the Foreign Office unprepared. During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Yuriy Sak, an adviser to Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries, emphasized that Ukrainian negotiators would enter the London meeting with a ‘very clear, narrow mandate’ focused on achieving a ceasefire to enable further negotiations.
Since Wednesday, Russia has ramped up its military actions against Ukraine after a short break during the Easter holiday when air strikes were paused. President Putin had called for a temporary ceasefire for the Easter weekend, but UK Defence Secretary John Healey told the House of Commons on Tuesday that British military intelligence found no evidence of reduced hostilities. He stated, ‘Even though Putin announced an Easter truce, he has broken it.’ He also pointed out,
‘While Putin claims to seek peace, he has turned down the idea of a full ceasefire; and despite his assertions of wanting to settle the conflict, he keeps stalling negotiations.’ It’s estimated that since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, hundreds of thousands have been killed or injured on all sides, with nearly seven million Ukrainians now recognized as refugees around the globe. The roots of this conflict go back over a decade to 2014, when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted, leading to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for militants in the violent clashes in eastern Ukraine.