A rift appears to be emerging within Ukrainian leadership regarding the future of Crimea, despite President Volodymyr Zelensky’s firm stance against relinquishing control of the disputed territory.
Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko – a former heavyweight boxing champion – has suggested that Ukraine might need to cede land to Russia as part of a potential peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities. This perspective diverges from Zelensky’s unwavering commitment to reclaiming all Ukrainian territories.
The differing viewpoints coincide with pronouncements from Donald Trump, who has unveiled a seven-point plan intended to facilitate a resolution in the region. According to Trump, a deal is “pretty close” to finalization.
Trump’s proposed framework includes a key element: formal U.S. recognition of Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014 and has occupied since then. The plan envisions a frozen conflict line, effectively allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to retain control over significant portions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Zelensky remains resolute in his opposition to permanently ceding Crimea, stating, “Our position is unchanged: only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide which territories are Ukrainian.” He reiterated that Ukraine’s constitution asserts all temporarily occupied areas belong to Ukraine.
This stance was reinforced by Mariana Betsa, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, who declared the nation will “do whatever it takes” to reclaim Crimea. “Our position is very clear… Crimea is Ukraine,” she emphasized. She also affirmed that Ukraine would never acknowledge Russia’s attempted annexation and remains dedicated to retaining control of the region.
However, Klitschko cautioned that giving up territory may be a necessary, albeit undesirable, measure for achieving “temporary peace.” He told the BBC, “One of the scenarios is … to give up territory. It’s not fair. But for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution, temporary.”
Klitschko, often considered a political rival of Zelensky, indicated that he hasn’t been involved in settlement discussions with the President: “President Zelensky does [it] himself. It’s not my function.”
Trump has reportedly stated that Crimea “will stay with Russia,” suggesting that Zelensky understands this reality. He further commented, “Everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time. It’s been with them long before Trump came along.”
Key components of Trump’s plan include:
- An immediate ceasefire and direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
- A prohibition against Ukraine joining NATO.
- U.S. recognition of Russian control over Crimea, potentially violating international law principles prohibiting annexation.
The remaining points reportedly involve U.S. control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a mineral deal signed by Ukraine, and the removal of all U.S. sanctions against Russia.
