U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give up the territory of Crimea to Russia. He asserts a peace deal cannot happen without that concession.
Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014. In late 2013 through early 2014, a massive uprising gripped Ukraine for weeks. It forced pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovich from office. Russian President Vladimir Putin pounced while Ukraine was engulfed in turmoil. He sent troops to overrun Crimea.
The takeover was quick and bloodless. Russia had long wanted the diamond-shaped peninsula in the Black Sea. It is a critical corridor for shipment of grain and other goods.
Kyiv and most of the world never recognized Moscow’s annexation of Crimea. Only a few countries such as Nicaragua, North Korea, and Sudan acknowledged it.
The land grab touched off a wave of patriotism in Russia. “Crimea is ours!” became a rallying cry. Putin’s popularity soared. His approval rating had declined to 65% in January 2014. It shot to 86% in June, according to an independent Russian pollster.
Fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine in the aftermath. Moscow supported pro-Kremlin militias against Kyiv’s forces.
Russian hard-liners later criticized Putin for failing to capture all of Ukraine that year. They argued it was easily possible at a time when the government in Kyiv was in disarray and its military in shambles.
The fighting in eastern Ukraine continued off and on until February 2022. Then Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Crimean Peninsula is a major battleground. Ukraine has launched drone attacks and bombs on it to try to dislodge Moscow’s hold.
Attacks targeted the Russian Black Sea Fleet there, as well as ammunition depots and air fields. Putin’s prized asset is the Kerch Bridge linking Crimea to Russia. Ukraine struck it in October 2022 and again in July 2023.
During President Trump’s first term, the United States said it would never recognize Crimea as Russian. But that tone is changing as efforts to reach a peace deal falter.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said last week that Washington “issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the United States to walk away from this process.”
He told reporters during a visit to India that it was “a very fair proposal” that would “freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today.” Both sides would have to give up some territory they currently hold. He did not provide details.
Russia currently controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian land, including Crimea. Moscow made demands for peace in June 2024. Putin listed Ukraine’s recognition of Crimea as part of Russia among them.
The demands also include Ukraine ceding four regions Russia illegally annexed in 2022. Moscow insists Ukraine must drop its bid to join NATO, keep the country’s nonnuclear status, restrict its military force, and protect the interests of the Russian-speaking population.
Kyiv has rejected ceding territory. “There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy says.
Pray world leaders will have humility and wisdom as they work toward peace between Ukraine and Russia.
