U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy on Wednesday after claiming that a deal to end the war in Ukraine is “very close,” while harshly criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Trump’s comments, made via a post on his social media platform Truth Social, came shortly after reports surfaced suggesting he might support a peace deal that includes acknowledging Crimea as Russian territory.
The president appeared frustrated by Zelensky’s recent remarks to The Wall Street Journal, in which the Ukrainian leader doubled down on his country’s refusal to cede Crimea.
“Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to talk about here,” Zelensky was quoted as saying—reaffirming that such a concession is unconstitutional under Ukrainian law.
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Trump responded sharply, calling Zelensky’s stance an obstacle to peace. “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s that make it so difficult to settle this war,” Trump wrote. “This statement is very harmful to the peace negotiations with Russia.”
He went further, questioning Ukraine’s commitment to the region when Crimea was first annexed by Russia in 2014. “If Ukraine wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?” Trump asked, implying that the opportunity to contest Crimea’s control had long since passed.
The president’s post also echoed earlier sentiments from Vice President JD Vance, who recently stated that territorial compromises—commonly referred to as “land swaps”—would likely be essential to any lasting peace agreement.
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Trump insisted that progress is being made behind the scenes and that the time to act is now. “We are very close to a deal,” he said. “But the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
Trump’s remarks highlight a growing divide within the U.S. political landscape over how to approach the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While many Western leaders, including former President Joe Biden, have maintained support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Trump’s comments suggest a more pragmatic—if controversial—approach to ending the war.
The idea of freezing the conflict with Crimea officially under Russian control has long been seen as a non-starter for Kyiv. For Ukraine, recognizing Russia’s occupation would be seen not just as a betrayal of national integrity but also as a dangerous precedent for future aggression.
But for Trump and others advocating a swift end to the war, compromises may be the only way forward—however difficult or unpopular they may be.
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