U.S. proposes recognizing Crimea as Russian amid peace talks

The Trump administration is reportedly considering proposals that would allow Russia to retain Crimea in exchange for ending hostilities in Ukraine, and may also offer to lift sanctions against Moscow as part of a broader peace agreement. This approach has drawn strong opposition from both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who insists that recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea violates Ukraine's constitution, and bipartisan members of Congress, such as Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, who stress that the U.S. should not legitimize Russia's annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian officials and Western diplomats are concerned about the significant pressure being placed on Kyiv to accept territorial concessions, while some European negotiators are pushing for security guarantees and reconstruction aid for Ukraine in any deal. Critics argue that any agreement allowing Russia to keep conquered territories risks prolonging the conflict and undermining Ukraine's sovereignty. The situation remains fluid, with the U.S. reportedly signaling its willingness to withdraw from negotiations if Ukraine does not accept the current terms.