The war in Ukraine may be approaching a turning point, as former President Donald Trump pushes a controversial peace plan that would require Kyiv to give up territory, including Crimea, in exchange for an end to hostilities.
According to reports, Trump has grown frustrated by the difficulty of fulfilling his promise to end the war quickly. His current approach, sources say, includes pressuring Ukraine to cede Crimea — annexed illegally by Russia in 2014 — and possibly other occupied territories, with the United States considering recognizing Russian control over the peninsula.
Trump’s emissary, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday to discuss the proposal. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials, meeting with U.S. and European counterparts in London, continue to seek a ceasefire before addressing any territorial concessions. Both Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to attend the Pope’s funeral in Rome this weekend, raising speculation about possible high-level talks.
Despite public opposition from Zelensky, some Ukrainian leaders, including Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, have indicated a willingness to discuss Crimea as part of a broader peace agreement. Klitschko called the idea of surrendering Crimea “unfair” but suggested it might be necessary for “temporary peace.”
However, critics warn that recognizing Crimea as Russian would violate international law and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, breaking U.S. commitments under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. It would also mark a major victory for Putin, allowing Russia to benefit from its 2014 invasion and strengthening its strategic position in the Black Sea.
Skeptics doubt whether a deal is achievable. Analysts note that Putin sees time as his ally and has little incentive to negotiate seriously. Meanwhile, Trump’s threats to withdraw U.S. support if Ukraine refuses to accept his terms could leave Kyiv increasingly reliant on European allies. Germany, in particular, is ramping up defense spending and may step in to support Ukraine if U.S. aid dries up — but experts caution that such a shift will take time.
As fighting continues — including a reported car bomb killing a Russian general near Moscow — the coming days could determine whether a new path to peace emerges or if the war drags on with no clear end in sight.
