WASHINGTON, April 25 — US President Donald Trump has said that the occupied Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine “will stay” with Russia, asserting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky bears responsibility for the war and its devastating human toll.
In an interview with Time magazine, Trump argued that Kyiv’s insistence on retaining Crimea and its pursuit of NATO membership were key factors behind the conflict. “With that being said, will they be able to get it back?” Trump asked rhetorically. “They’ve had their Russians. They’ve had their submarines there for long before any period that we’re talking about, for many years. The people speak largely Russian in Crimea.”
Trump further claimed that “this was given by Obama. This wasn’t given by Trump,” referencing Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea during Barack Obama’s presidency. He contended that Zelensky “understands” Crimea will remain under Russian control, adding, “Everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.”
Zelensky Criticized Over War Origins
The president directly blamed Zelensky for igniting the war and for the loss of life. “He was responsible for millions of deaths,” Trump said, without offering evidence. The comment sharply diverges from the position of the current US administration and most Western allies, who have consistently held Russia accountable for launching the invasion.
Ukraine’s NATO Bid a Red Line, Trump Suggests
Trump reiterated his opposition to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, asserting that the very idea was a catalyst for the war. “I don’t think they’ll ever be able to join NATO,” he said. “From day one, I think that’s what caused the war to start—when they started talking about joining NATO.”
The remarks come as diplomatic talks aimed at ending the war appear to take shape behind the scenes, with reported proposals that echo several of Trump’s views.
Reported US Peace Plan Includes Crimea Concession
Reuters on Friday cited text from a draft US proposal that would dramatically reshape Ukraine’s geopolitical landscape in pursuit of a ceasefire. According to the report, the plan includes a commitment that Ukraine would abandon NATO ambitions but could still seek membership in the European Union.
Key points in the proposal reportedly include:
De jure recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea
De facto recognition of Russian control in occupied parts of Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Kherson
A “permanent” ceasefire agreement
Lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014
A bilateral economic and mineral cooperation pact
Western financial aid for Ukraine’s full reconstruction
These terms, if accepted, would mark a major shift in Western policy, effectively acknowledging Russia’s territorial gains in exchange for ending hostilities and initiating postwar rebuilding.
While no official confirmation of the plan’s endorsement by the current administration has been released, Trump’s alignment with the reported framework suggests he may be laying out a road map for negotiations if he returns to office.
Global Stakes and Reactions
The remarks and alleged proposals are expected to provoke strong reactions both in Kyiv and among NATO allies. President Zelensky has consistently ruled out ceding territory and has pushed for full restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
As diplomatic pressure mounts and international fatigue with the prolonged war grows, Trump’s comments reflect a realignment in segments of US political discourse—one that could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine, Russia, and the global order.
