President Donald Trump asserts Crimea is Russian, calling on Ukraine to make concessions as U.S. peace efforts near a tipping point amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump stated in a recent interview that Crimea “will stay with Russia,” escalating pressure on Ukraine to concede territory in a bid to end the prolonged conflict.
In a Time magazine interview released Friday, Trump emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “understands” the reality of Russia’s control over Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. “Everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time,” Trump said, further arguing that Crimea’s Russian-speaking population and military history justify the claim.
“They’ve had their submarines there long before any period that we’re talking about,” Trump added. “The people speak largely Russian in Crimea. But this was given by Obama. This wasn’t given by Trump.”
Russia Intensifies Strikes as Trump Seeks End to War
Even as Trump called for peace, Russian forces launched deadly attacks across Ukraine. A drone strike in the southeastern city of Pavlohrad killed three civilians, including a child and a 76-year-old woman. Another 103 Shahed and decoy drones targeted five Ukrainian regions, damaging infrastructure in Sumy and Kharkiv.
Thursday saw one of the most severe assaults on Kyiv since last summer. Russian missiles and drones killed at least 12 people and injured 87 in a brutal barrage that prompted a rare rebuke from Trump.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
U.S. Administration Weighs Options as Ceasefire Talks Stall
With no breakthrough achieved, Trump’s frustration has grown. He accused Zelenskyy of turning the battlefield into a “killing field” by refusing to surrender Crimea—a key sticking point in ongoing negotiations. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called recognition of Russian-occupied territories a non-negotiable red line.
Senior U.S. officials warn the administration may halt military aid to Ukraine if diplomatic efforts do not advance soon.
“The war could be approaching a pivotal moment,” one official noted, hinting at a possible shift in American policy.
Trump Envoy Meets Putin Amid High-Stakes Diplomacy
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for the second time this month and fourth since February. A video released by the Kremlin shows Witkoff greeting Putin, who replied in English: “Fine, just fine, thank you.”
Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov and international cooperation envoy Kirill Dmitriev also attended the meeting, signaling the seriousness of the talks.
Targeted Killings Escalate: Russian Officer Killed Near Moscow
Amid rising tensions, Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed a senior military officer was killed in a car bomb near Moscow. This follows the December 2024 assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov via a bomb-rigged electric scooter. Moscow has blamed Ukraine for these targeted attacks.
Frontline Warfare Rages Despite Peace Overtures
Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian forces faced nearly 150 ground assaults along a 1,000-kilometer front as Russian missiles rained down. He noted that Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire over a month ago, but Russia continued its offensives unabated.
Recent Russian strikes have killed over 30 civilians in Sumy, devastated Odesa with drone barrages, and bombed Zaporizhzhia using powerful glide bombs.
Western European leaders have criticized Putin for stalling negotiations while expanding territorial control through intensified military campaigns.
High-Profile Funeral May Provide Diplomatic Opportunity
Both Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to attend the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday. While no formal meeting is confirmed, speculation is rising over whether this shared appearance in Rome could open a backchannel for urgent talks.
