A peace proposal from the Trump administration, which includes recognizing Russian control over Crimea, has stunned Ukrainian officials, who have firmly stated they will not accept any formal surrender of the region, despite acknowledging the potential for temporary concessions to the Kremlin.
Experts emphasize that giving up Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, is politically and legally impossible without a major constitutional amendment and a nationwide referendum, both of which would be seen as a betrayal by lawmakers and the public. Ukrainian officials and citizens remain strongly opposed to any move that would permanently relinquish the peninsula.
Oleksandr Merezkho, a lawmaker from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s party, stated, “We will never recognize Crimea as part of Russia.” A formal surrender of Crimea, he explained, would mean permanently relinquishing the hope of ever regaining it.
While the public largely understands that land may need to be ceded as part of a peace deal, particularly due to the impracticality of reclaiming it militarily, many continue to hold on to the hope that any such cession would be temporary. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko recently indicated that Ukraine might have to temporarily give up land in a peace agreement, but acknowledging this could be seen as a sign of defeat, especially by those living under Russian occupation.
In an interview published on Friday, US President Donald Trump reiterated his proposal, stating, “Crimea will stay with Russia. Zelensky understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.” Trump added, “I think [Zelensky] is ready to give it up,” referring to Crimea’s annexation under President Obama’s watch in 2014.
Trump’s comments add to growing concerns that Ukraine could be pressured into concessions to end the war. He has also accused Zelensky of prolonging the conflict by resisting negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Crimea, a strategically important peninsula on the Black Sea, was seized by Russia long before the full-scale invasion in 2022. The annexation followed protests that ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who had refused to sign an EU association agreement.
Ukrainian officials have long indicated that, should peace talks take place, Crimea and other territories under Russian control might be part of Ukraine’s concessions. However, Zelensky has consistently maintained that formally surrendering the region is a red line for Ukraine.
As part of Trump’s proposed peace plan, the US could formally recognize Crimea as Russian and accept Moscow’s rule over the occupied territories. However, Ukrainian officials argue that Zelensky cannot accept this without facing significant political and legal repercussions. Ukraine’s constitution prohibits any changes to its territorial integrity, and altering this would require a nationwide referendum.
The idea of surrendering Crimea has also sparked concerns about potential legal consequences for Zelensky. Tymofiy Mylovanov, president of the Kyiv School of Economics, warned that agreeing to such a proposal could be seen as high treason and would expose Zelensky to future legal action.
For Ukraine’s military, the fight to reclaim all its territory continues, despite political challenges. “We won’t stop until all Ukrainian lands are free,” said Oleksandr, a soldier stationed in Donetsk, underscoring the unwavering commitment of Ukrainian troops.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
