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Trump accuses Zelensky of making 'harmful' statements on Crimea

According to the US president, the sides "are very close to a Deal"

US President Donald Trump AP Photo/ Alex Brandon

US President Donald Trump

© AP Photo/ Alex Brandon

WASHINGTON, April 23. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump said Vladimir Zelensky's statements that Ukraine will not recognize Crimea as Russian are harmful for peace talks.

"Ukrainian President, Vladimir Zelensky, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, 'Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here.' 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," he said on Truth Social.

"Nobody is asking Zelensky 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? The area also houses, for many years before 'the Obama handover,' major Russian submarine bases. It’s inflammatory statements like Zelensky’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War," the US president went on to say.

"He has nothing to boast about!" Trump said about Zelensky. "The situation for Ukraine is dire - He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country."

"The statement made by Zelensky today will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field,' and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE. I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President!" he continued.

The Republic of Crimea and the hero-city of Sevastopol rejoined Russia 11 years ago following a referendum that took place on March 16, 2014 amid a coup in Ukraine. More than 80% of the peninsula's eligible residents took part in the voting, with 96.7% and 95.6%, respectively, voting in favor of reunification with Russia. On March 18, 2014, the Russian president and the leaders of Crimea and Sevastopol signed a treaty enshrining the accession of the regions to the Russian Federation, and on March 21, the document was ratified by the Russian Federal Assembly.

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