Kyiv:
After another explosive exchange with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian Voldymi Zelensky posted a declaration from Trump’s first term in office for 2018. This comes after Trump scolded his Ukrainian counterpart for not transferring Crimea to Russia, saying it was damaging ceasefire talks with Moscow, which could end a long-standing war in Ukraine.
Regarding peace talks in London on Wednesday, Zelensky said it was marked by “feeling.” He also vowed to protect the Ukrainian constitution, which previously insisted a ban on renunciation of territory such as Crimea to Russia.
“Emotions are high today. But it’s good that the five countries met to bring peace closer: Ukraine, the US, the UK, France and Germany. It’s important that they expressed their views and received each other’s position in honor.
I’m feeling a lot of emotion today. But it’s good that the five countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, America, UK, France, Germany. The side expressed their views and received their position in honor. Each side is not just the participants, but… pic.twitter.com/ldfv5wk8tw
– volodymyr Zelenskyy /володимирзеленсka (@zelenskyyua) April 23, 2025
“The US side shared that vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their views. And we hope that it is exactly that kind of collaboration that leads to lasting peace. We thank our partners. Ukraine will always act according to its constitution and in particular the United States will act in line with strong decisions,” he added.
Zelenskyy also posted the 2018 Crimean Declaration from Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State during Trump’s first term. “The United States rejects Russia’s attempts to annex Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until the integrity of Ukraine’s territory is restored,” he said.
Trump assaults Zelensky
This accused Trump of refusing to accept that Russia’s occupation of Crimea did not end the war after assaulting him in Zelensky on Wednesday.
Before that, US Vice President JD Vance set the US vision for a peace agreement that would allow Russia to maintain Ukraine’s already occupied Swas, including Crimea.
Trump said the deal was “very close” and effectively closed in Moscow, but Zelensky had proven that negotiations were “more difficult.”
The Ukrainian president’s refusal to accept US conditions to end the conflict that began with the Russian invasion “just extends the ‘scissue’,” he added.
“I think we have a contract with Russia. We have to do business with Zelensky,” Trump told reporters. “I thought it would be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far, that’s been difficult.”
After Trump regularly boasts on the campaign trail of 24 hours to resolve conflicts, we’re creating intense pressure on Ukraine to embrace deals. But so far, American leaders have not put equal visible pressure on Russia, but have hanged the lifting of massive US economic sanctions on Moscow if the fighting ceases.
When the leaders exchanged the charges, Ukrainian authorities issued warnings of “enemy missiles” attacks on Kiev, and the explosion was heard across the capital.
