The Trump administration would be willing to recognize the Crimea Peninsula as belonging to Russia, in an effort to convince Vladimir Putin to accept peace negotiations with Ukraine.
Donald Trump is reserved in statements. Photo: Profimedia
According to an official familiar with the situation, quoted by CNN, a discussion framework has already been sent to the parties involved, including Ukrainian and European officials present at a meeting held on Thursday, April 17, in Paris. The information was also communicated to Moscow, following a phone call between American Senator Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
According to CNN, the US administration is about to continue discussions next week, in London, along with European allies and representatives of Ukraine. In parallel, a new meeting between Steve Witkoff, a close counselor of Donald Trump, and Russian officials is under planning.
The Crimean Peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014, in an action considered illegal by most states.
Trump, reserved in statements
Although not clearly confirmed to change the US position on Crimea, President Donald Trump said on Friday, April 18, that Washington continues to follow the rapid conflict. He suggested that the time for compromises is running out and that he intends to evaluate Russia's real availability soon.
“There is no clear number of days, but we want the war to end quickly”, Trump said, mentioning that he will not support diplomatic efforts if one of the parties blocks progress.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US could completely abandon the Peace Initiative if no concrete progress is made in the next period.
Conditions for the peace agreement
According to Bloomberg, Washington would have presented in Paris a proposal that includes the termination of battles, the gradual relaxation of the sanctions imposed on Moscow and the guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO. Instead, Russia would keep control over the territories occupied in eastern Ukraine and the Crimea Peninsula.
The White House did not comment on the details of the peace proposals. Instead, Trump insisted that “no one can deceive him” And that he has the experience necessary to feel if the parties involved are serious about negotiations or not.
“All my life I have been involved in negotiations and I know when someone is drawing time. But I think there is real enthusiasm for peace. You will find out soon.” he added.
