United States President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday for his firm stance against recognizing Russia's occupation of Crimea. Trump stated that Zelensky’s remarks are “very harmful” to peace negotiations and may prolong the ongoing war with Russia.

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Nobody is asking Zelenskyy 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.” He added that statements like Zelensky’s make it difficult to achieve peace and warned, “He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.”

Trump emphasized that peace talks are “very close to a Deal,” and urged Zelensky to “finally GET IT DONE.” He warned that continued aggressive rhetoric would only “prolong the killing field.”

In response, President Zelensky posted on X expressing hope that the U.S. would stand by its past commitments not to recognize Crimea as Russian. Referring to a 2018 statement by former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Zelensky affirmed Ukraine’s constitutional stance and called for continued Western support for its territorial integrity.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the administration's position, stating that President Trump is not asking Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian territory. However, she noted that the U.S. believes Zelensky is “moving in the wrong direction on peace talks.”

The exchange comes amid a new round of multilateral discussions involving the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and Ukraine aimed at bringing the war to an end. As diplomatic efforts intensify, tensions between Washington and Kyiv over negotiation strategies remain under the spotlight.