Tensions have flared between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over Ukraine’s refusal to cede Crimea to Russia, as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue.
Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, accused Zelensky of obstructing peace efforts by rejecting U.S.-backed terms that would reportedly see both Ukraine and Russia relinquish control over certain territories. “A deal to end the war was very close,” Trump claimed, adding that Zelensky’s stance “will do nothing but prolong” the conflict.
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance recently outlined Washington’s vision for a peace deal that would freeze territorial lines near their current positions. However, no official details have been released on what specific geographic concessions would be made.
Ukraine has consistently maintained that it will not recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014. Zelensky reaffirmed his position, stating, “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.”
The exchange comes amid renewed Russian attacks across Ukraine. In Kyiv, drone strikes killed two and injured over 50 people, including children and a pregnant woman. In Marhanets, a drone hit a bus, killing nine and injuring dozens. Kharkiv also reported fresh blasts.
Trump, who has long claimed he could end the war in a day, expressed frustration with Zelensky, saying he finds Russia easier to deal with. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the sentiment, saying the president’s patience “is running very thin.”
Diplomatic efforts have intensified, with U.S. officials pulling out of a London ceasefire meeting to focus on direct talks in Moscow. Trump’s envoy, Gen. Keith Kellogg, represented the U.S. in London, while special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin again.
Ukrainian officials said they are participating in the London talks with a clear mandate to seek a ceasefire. However, UK Defence Secretary John Healey accused Putin of breaking his Easter truce and playing for time, despite his public claims of seeking peace.
The war, which began in 2022, has killed or injured hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, with no end in sight.
