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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A recent peace proposal by the Trump administration, which involves acknowledging Russian authority over Crimea, has left Ukrainian officials taken aback. They categorically state that they will not accept any formal cession of the peninsula, despite an awareness that they might have to temporarily relinquish control to the Kremlin.
Conceding territory that was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 poses both political and legal challenges. Such a move would necessitate an amendment to the Ukrainian constitution and a nationwide referendum, potentially leading to accusations of treason. Resistance to the idea is palpable among lawmakers and the general populace.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” remarked Oleksandr Merezkho, a member of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party. “We will never recognize Crimea as part of Russia.”
Differentiating between a territorial concession and a formal surrender is crucial; the latter implies a total loss of hope for Ukraine to reclaim Crimea in the future.
Public sentiment largely reflects a pragmatic understanding that some land concessions may be necessary to reach an armistice, especially given the military realities on the ground. Polls suggest an increasing acceptance of this scenario among the populace.
However, public messaging tends to emphasize that any such concessions need not be permanent. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko recently noted to the BBC that Ukraine may have to temporarily yield some territories as part of a peace agreement.
Acknowledging this could imply defeat—a notion that remains unacceptable, particularly for Ukrainians living under Russian occupation, who yearn for eventual liberation. It also risks undermining the sacrifices of countless Ukrainian soldiers who have been killed or injured in the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the Crimea proposal in a recent interview with Time magazine, stating, “Crimea will stay with Russia. Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.”
His remarks represent yet another instance of the U.S. administration applying pressure on Ukraine to make concessions in order to resolve the ongoing conflict while it remains in a vulnerable position. Trump has also accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the war by hesitating in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Crimean Peninsula, a strategically significant area along the Black Sea, was seized by Russia even before the full-scale invasion in 2022. This takeover was preceded by widespread protests leading to the ouster of former President Viktor Yanukovych, who had declined to sign a pivotal association agreement with the European Union.
As peace talks loom, Ukrainian officials have indicated that they anticipate Crimea, among other territories currently under Russian control, may need to be conceded in any prospective agreement. However, President Zelenskyy has consistently stated that formally surrendering the territory remains a non-negotiable point.
Aspects of Trump’s proposal would entail the United States formally recognizing Crimea as Russian, effectively endorsing Moscow’s administering authority over occupied regions of Ukraine. This information comes from a senior European official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
The determination of whether the United States will formally affirm Crimea as Russian is ultimately out of Zelenskyy’s control. Experts note numerous constraints that prevent him from doing so, even under significant duress. He is unable to unilaterally sign any such agreement without potential repercussions from future administrations.
Recognition of a loss of territory became a more palpable reality for Ukraine following the setbacks faced during the 2023 summer counteroffensive, prompting Ukraine’s military to focus on securing the territories still under its control.
In exchange for any territorial concessions, Ukraine seeks substantial security guarantees, ideally encompassing NATO membership, or definitive plans for arming and training its forces against potential future invasions with consistent support from allies. One scenario even envisions the deployment of European forces, a proposal outright rejected by Russia.
Zelenskyy has noted that discussions regarding occupied territories are likely to be protracted and will not materialize until a ceasefire is established. Following a call with Trump in late March, he informed reporters that the U.S. president “clearly understands that legally we will not recognize any territories.”
He described the question of ceding territory as “the most difficult question” and a “significant challenge” for Ukraine.
Formal acknowledgment of Crimea by Ukraine would likely result in political backlash for Zelenskyy, possibly even exposing him to future legal ramifications, according to Tymofiy Mylovanov, former finance minister and president of the Kyiv School of Economics.
Signing any potentially unconstitutional treaty could be deemed an act of treason, Mylovanov asserted.
Furthermore, the Ukrainian government lacks the constitutional authority to condone a breach of territorial integrity, with any alteration in territory requiring a national referendum.
If Ukrainian lawmakers were to even contemplate surrendering Crimea, it would spark an extensive legal debate, complicating the issue further.
“That’s why Russia is pushing it, because they know it’s impossible to achieve,” Mylovanov explained.
“Anything connected to constitutional change gives substantial policy and public communication leverage to Russia,” he emphasized. “This is their primary objective.”
On the front lines, soldiers remain resolute in their commitment to fight, regardless of political decisions.
“We lost our best guys in this war,” said Oleksandr, a soldier stationed in Donetsk, who requested his last name be withheld for security reasons. “We won’t stop until all Ukrainian lands are free.”
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Associated Press Writer Hanna Arhirova contributed to this report.
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