Trump Proposes Crimea Concession in Ukraine Peace Talks

The Trump administration is considering formally recognising Russian control of Crimea as part of a new peace proposal aimed at ending the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, a senior US official revealed.

This potential concession, if adopted, would mark a major shift in US foreign policy and underscore President Donald Trump’s urgency to broker a ceasefire. The plan, still under discussion, was shared with European and Ukrainian officials during a meeting in Paris on April 18.

According to CNN, the draft framework includes an immediate ceasefire, freezing current frontlines, and easing sanctions on Russia if Moscow halts its attacks. It also proposes dropping Ukraine’s NATO membership bid from negotiations— a long-standing Russian demand.

A key element is the reported US readiness to acknowledge Crimea— annexed by Russia in 2014 after a controversial referendum— as Russian territory. The global community has largely refused to recognise the annexation, viewing it as illegal and forced.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly rejected the idea, declaring in Kyiv on Thursday that Ukraine would “never consider Ukrainian lands as Russian.” He criticised Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, accusing him of favouring Moscow.

Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both signaled impatience with stalled diplomacy. “We need to determine very quickly now… whether or not this is doable,” Rubio said in Paris. Trump echoed this stance, warning the US might pull out of talks if either side proves too difficult.

The Paris discussions reportedly included officials from the US, UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and envoy Witkoff also held private talks on possible ceasefire monitoring logistics.

Despite US pressure, Russia has yet to formally commit to the proposal, and recent developments may complicate peace efforts. Moscow ended a 30-day truce and resumed strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities. A Russian missile attack last week killed 35 civilians in Sumy.

Meanwhile, the US is arranging another meeting between Witkoff and Russian officials to push the framework forward. Follow-up consultations with European partners are scheduled to take place in London next week.