Trump Says “Crimea Will Stay with Russia” as He Pushes for End to Ukraine War

KYIV, Ukraine – April 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump declared in a recent interview that “Crimea will stay with Russia,” signaling his intent to pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions as part of a proposed resolution to end the ongoing war with Russia.

In an interview with Time Magazine conducted on Tuesday and published Friday, President Trump stated, “Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time,” referring to Crimea’s control by Russia since 2014.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for what he describes as prolonging the war by refusing to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In contrast, many Western European leaders have accused Putin of deliberately stalling peace talks while advancing Russian forces deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Trump Administration Pressures Ukraine for Peace Talks

With the war entering a critical phase, senior officials in the Trump administration have indicated that the U.S. may withdraw efforts to mediate peace if progress is not made soon. Such a move could include suspending U.S. military aid to Ukraine — a vital lifeline in its defense against Russian aggression.

The situation has raised serious concerns among Ukraine’s allies, who fear that a shift in U.S. policy could further embolden Russia and threaten Ukrainian sovereignty.

Background: Crimea’s Strategic Importance

Crimea, a strategic region located along the Black Sea in southern Ukraine, was annexed by Russia in 2014 during the Obama administration. Although the peninsula remains internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, Russia has maintained de facto control for over a decade.

The current war began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Crimea has remained a central point of contention in peace talks and international diplomacy.

Conclusion

As President Trump pushes for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, his remarks about Crimea have reignited debate over U.S. foreign policy and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. With military and political tensions at an all-time high, the next steps by both Washington and Kyiv will be closely watched by global leaders and analysts alike.