In a dramatic turn of events, Donald Trump has pointed the blame at Barack Obama and Joe Biden for the situation in Crimea, while suggesting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to cede the territory to Russia.
The US president made these claims while speaking to reporters at Morristown Airport, New Jersey, on Sunday, 27 April.
Trump revealed that he and Zelensky had an informal meeting on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral over the weekend. During the encounter, Trump stated that Zelensky pleaded for more weaponry to support Ukraine’s ongoing defence.
“Zelensky asked me for more weapons,” Trump said. “He understands the situation, but he knows it’s not an easy road.”
The brief exchange between the two leaders came months after their intense Oval Office meeting in February, which had already sparked widespread media scrutiny. Trump also mentioned a peace plan proposed by his administration. The controversial plan would recognise Russian control over Crimea, a move likely to trigger a strong backlash internationally.
Ukrainian officials remain firm in their public stance. They insist they will not formally surrender Crimea, despite acknowledging that temporary concessions might be inevitable in light of current circumstances.
“There is no formal acceptance of Crimea’s loss,” a Ukrainian government source stated. “But we have to be realistic about the ground realities for now.”
Trump’s remarks have reignited fierce debate across both US and European political landscapes. Critics argue that endorsing Russia’s claim over Crimea would set a dangerous precedent.
Meanwhile, Trump’s attack on former President Obama and current President Biden has added fuel to the ongoing political fires in Washington. “Obama and Biden allowed Crimea to fall,” Trump declared. “It should never have happened under their watch.”
This sharp criticism comes at a sensitive time as the Biden administration seeks to shore up international alliances amid rising global tensions.
Diplomatic analysts suggest that Trump’s comments could complicate future US-Ukraine relations. There is concern that any perception of weakness or willingness to surrender territory could embolden Russia further.
On the ground, Ukrainians continue to show resilience. Despite political manoeuvrings abroad, the population remains committed to defending its sovereignty. Trump’s explosive claims have stirred the waters yet again. As Ukraine faces one of its gravest challenges, the international community watches closely.
Whether Zelensky is truly prepared to part with Crimea remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the battle over territory, diplomacy, and public opinion is far from over.
