Trump Enraged With Zelenskyy, Claims Latter Will 'Prolong' War

President Donald Trump recently publicly criticized Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy after the latter publicly stated Ukraine would not recognize Russia’s control over Crimea. 

The clash between the two presidents comes as their relationship had been improving following a negotiation spat in the Oval Office last February. 

President Zelenskyy publicly rejected a US ceasefire proposal that reportedly recognized Russia’s control over the area of Crimea. 

“Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea,” Zelensky said. “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.”

Article 134 of Ukraine’s constitution describes Crimea as “an inseparable constituent part of Ukraine.”

President Trump angrily responded via Truth Social, claiming that Zelenskyy was not being asked to recognize Crimea as Russian territory and that his statements throw a wrench in ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. 

“This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion,” said Trump.

“Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?”

Russia has controlled Crimea since invading it during former President Barack Obama’s administration in 2014.

Trump continued, claiming that Zelenskyy’s statements hinder negotiations with the Russians, delaying an end to the war. 

“(Zelenskyy) has nothing to boast about,” said Trump. “The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.”

Trump’s comments seemingly undeterred Zelenskyy, however, as the latter shared a State Department press release from Trump’s first administration underscoring the US’ condemnation of Russian presence in Crimea. 

“Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions,” said Zelenskyy.