Zelensky claims Trump caught Ukraine off guard with push to recognize Crimea as Russian territory

Published April 24, 2025 9:35pm ET



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested President Donald Trump caught Ukraine off guard with his peace plan including a provision recognizing Crimea as Russian territory. The move would end an 85-year old U.S. policy to not recognize annexed territory as belonging to the aggressor.

Zelensky said the provision appeared after an “appropriate strategy” was proposed during a meeting in London, and that he believes Trump is directly responsible for the addition.

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