Donald Trump has claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears willing to abandon the goal of reclaiming the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014- a suggestion starkly at odds with Zelensky’s recent public statements.
“I think so. Crimea- that was 12 years ago,” Trump said, when asked whether he believed Zelensky was prepared to “give up” the peninsula.
Referring to his recent meeting with Zelensky at the Vatican, Trump said the discussion went well, and that the coming days would reveal whether progress had been made.
When asked about his apparent shift in attitude following their past confrontations at the White House, Trump commented:
“I see him as calmer. I think he understands the situation. I think he wants to reach an agreement.”
Trump also expressed disappointment with Russia and called on President Vladimir Putin to end hostilities and “make a deal.”
Also read: Why Zelensky can’t and won’t give up Crimea
