Zelensky confesses Ukraine unable to reclaim Crimea by force

(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that Ukraine does not have the military strength required to reclaim Crimea through force. The peninsula, which joined Russia in 2014 following a controversial referendum, has remained a point of contention between Ukraine and Russia ever since.

In a recent statement quoted by Interfax-Ukraine, Zelensky acknowledged US President Donald Trump's claim that Ukraine lacks the weapons to retake Crimea militarily. Zelensky emphasized, however, that he hopes further sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Russia could pave the way for future negotiations on "territorial issues," but only after a ceasefire agreement is reached between Kiev and Moscow.

Trump, in an interview with Time Magazine, reiterated that Crimea will remain part of Russia under any peace deal. He also stated that both Zelensky and he recognize that Crimea, which is predominantly Russian-speaking, has been with Russia for a long time, and that it was “given” to Russia by former US President Barack Obama. Trump also claimed that Ukraine and Russia are "very close to a deal" and that high-level meetings should occur to finalize peace.

In contrast, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine's position remains the same, insisting that only the Ukrainian people have the right to determine the country's territorial boundaries. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that European leaders are urging Ukraine to accept the reality that certain territories, including Crimea, may remain under Russian control as part of a peace settlement. The newspaper noted that Ukraine might agree to Russian control over Crimea without formally recognizing it, as long as Ukraine retains sovereignty over other territories.

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