'Harder to negotiate': Trump and Zelenskyy spar over Crimea in Ukraine peace talks

US President Donald Trump has once again criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming him for ratcheting up tensions with Russia over Crimea using "inflammatory rhetoric". Trump asserts that Zelenskyy's refusal to make concessions is threatening ongoing peace efforts and warned that his words could prolong the bloodshed. "It's inflammatory rhetoric such as Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to bring this War to an end… He can have Peace or, he can struggle for three more years before losing the entire Country," Trump said.

Zelenskyy's response: Commitment to Ukrainian territory

Hours following Trump's remarks, Zelenskyy used social media to insist that recent talks between the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine had been successful. "Both sides were not only a participant but meaningfully contributed," he said via tweet, highlighting Ukraine's adherence to its Constitution and faith in US commitments. 

Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France and Germany. The sides expressed their views and respectfully received each other’s positions. It’s important that each side was not just a participant but… pic.twitter.com/lDFV5WK8tw

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 23, 2025

Split position on Crimea: Trump's remarks cause controversy

Trump's remarks on Crimea have caused controversy, with the US president implying that Crimea was "lost" during the presidency of former President Barack Obama and should not be a problem. Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to annex Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why did they not fight for it eleven years ago when it was transferred to Russia without a single bullet fired?" Trump queried. 

US Proposal: A call to action

US Vice President JD Vance called the US offer "very fair," noting that now it is up to Ukraine and Russia to decide whether to accept it or step away. The offer, which entails freezing lines of territory and allowing Russia to maintain occupied territories, has been greeted with a chill in Kyiv.

Peace negotiations: A delicate affair

The publicized tussle between Trump and Zelenskyy brings to the fore the intricacies of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. While Trump professes to be resolute about ending the war to prevent more loss of life, Zelenskyy remains steadfast on Ukrainian land and sovereignty. The mood is tense, with both sides waiting for a resolution.