Tensions flared once again between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday as Washington pressed Kyiv to accept a ceasefire and territorial concessions to end the war with Russia.
Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, speaking from India, unveiled a controversial US peace proposal calling for a freeze on current frontlines and recognition of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.
“The only way to really stop the killing is for the armies to put down their weapons,” Vance said, warning that the US may withdraw from mediation efforts if no deal is reached.
The proposal, also backed by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, reportedly includes conditions such as Ukraine renouncing its NATO ambitions and accepting Russian control over 20% of its territory.
Zelenskiy, however, rejected any compromise on Crimea, calling it unconstitutional and non-negotiable. In an X post, he reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to its sovereignty and shared a 2018 declaration by Trump’s former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, denouncing Russia’s annexation.
Trump, in a Truth Social post, dismissed Zelenskiy’s stance as “inflammatory,” arguing that Crimea was “lost years ago.” He claimed the two sides were “very close to a deal” and blamed Kyiv for stalling peace.
Talks in London between US, Ukrainian, and European officials ended with no breakthrough, highlighting growing rifts among allies. A broader ministerial meeting was canceled after Secretary of State Marco Rubio withdrew.
Trump envoy Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Moscow to continue negotiations. European leaders, while endorsing Trump’s goal to “stop the killing,” remain wary of the proposed concessions.
As Trump grows impatient, his administration is ramping up pressure on Kyiv, with a clear message: agree to peace, or risk losing US support.
