ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have clashed once more over efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, with the U.S. warning it may withdraw from the peace process unless significant progress is made.
Tensions Escalate Over Crimea
The latest confrontation occurred during a meeting in London, where President Trump criticized President Zelenskyy for refusing to acknowledge Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, echoed this sentiment, stating that the U.S. might abandon the peace talks if Ukraine does not agree to a ceasefire based on current territorial lines. The proposed U.S. peace plan includes freezing territorial boundaries and establishing a long-term diplomatic settlement.
President Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any concessions regarding Ukrainian territory, particularly Crimea, emphasizing that such actions are unconstitutional. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.”
U.S. Threatens to Withdraw from Peace Process
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt expressed increasing frustration with Ukraine’s stance, asserting that President Zelenskyy is “moving in the wrong direction” regarding peace talks. Leavitt emphasized that achieving peace requires cooperation from both sides and that the U.S. is prepared to walk away from the negotiations if no agreement is reached.
The U.S. has indicated that it may reconsider its support for Ukraine if the current deadlock continues. President Trump has previously stated that the U.S. is “very close to a deal” for peace and that Ukraine needs to make concessions for the process to move forward.
European Allies Express Concern
The cancellation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip to London has raised concerns among European allies about the future of the peace talks. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer downplayed the cancellation, stating that the talks involved “substantive technical meetings” and reaffirming the commitment to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
However, the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have complicated efforts to reach a consensus. A former Western official familiar with the U.S. proposal noted that the terms appeared to demand more concessions from Ukraine than from Russia, leading to skepticism among European nations.
Outlook for Peace Negotiations
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain. The U.S. has signaled its willingness to mediate, but only if Ukraine agrees to terms that include territorial concessions. President Zelenskyy has vowed to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, making it clear that any agreement must respect these principles.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if the deadlock will persist, prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
