Ukraine Faces Pressure from Trump Administration on Crimea Recognition Ahead of London Meeting

Ukraine has come under pressure from the Trump administration to make possible proposals to end the war, including recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea. Kyiv's position is expected to be discussed at a meeting in London at the end of the week.

This was reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The United States is demanding that Ukraine respond to initiatives proposed by Donald Trump's team to end the war. Among the ideas voiced are the possible US recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the exclusion of Ukraine from the list of NATO candidate countries.

According to Western officials, these proposals were contained in a confidential document presented to the Ukrainian side by representatives of the US presidential administration in Paris on Thursday. On the same day, the document was also discussed with European leaders.

Kyiv is expected to express its position during a trilateral meeting with American and European representatives in London at the end of the week. If the views of the parties coincide, these proposals could be passed on to the Kremlin.

A senior U.S. State Department official explained that it was not an ultimatum, but rather possible options for Kyiv to consider. According to him, the list was handed over "for discussion and feedback." Representatives of the US National Security Council have not yet commented on the situation.

Recently, the President's Office warned of serious consequences for global security in the event that occupied Crimea is recognized as part of Russia. Such a move could undermine international agreements and weaken the nuclear disarmament system.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution that paves the way for compensation for the damage caused by Russia since the occupation of Crimea in 2014. The document emphasizes the importance of taking into account the damage caused by the aggression, including violations of the rights of the peninsula's residents.

In 2024, Ukraine spent more than $60,000 on lobbying in the United States, which is significantly less than in 2023. Spending by other countries, such as Russia and Poland, has also decreased, but Russia continues to spend much more than Ukraine.

Анна Бальчінос