The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering recognising Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, as Russian territory as part of a potential peace deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Semafor news website reported.
According to a Semafor report citing sources familiar with the discussions, US officials have also debated whether Washington should push the United Nations to acknowledge Crimea as Russian territory. However, no final decision has been made, and the White House has declined to comment.
If Trump moves forward with the recognition, it would mark a dramatic shift in US policy, as most countries, including the United States, currently recognise Crimea as part of Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly stated its desire to reclaim the strategic Black Sea peninsula, though it acknowledges that taking it back by force is unrealistic at this stage.
Meanwhile, Moscow has maintained that Crimea’s status is not up for discussion. The Kremlin has long insisted that Crimea, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and a majority Russian-speaking population before annexation, is permanently part of Russia, a stance it says is settled “forever.”
The report also indicates that Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in Ukraine and push for a more permanent resolution to the conflict, which has lasted three years.
While the idea of Crimea’s recognition is still in the early discussion stages, it raises concerns about the potential implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the future of US-Russia relations.
As the Trump administration explores its options, Kyiv, Washington’s allies, and global leaders will be closely watching for any signs of a policy shift that could reshape the course of the war.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
