Ukrainian leader says Russia pressuring US to recognise Crimea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine firmly opposes any agreements that could alter the status of Crimea, which he described as temporarily occupied, while suggesting that Russia may be raising the issue in discussions with the United States.

Zelenskyy said he believes Moscow is signalling Washington to recognise Crimea as Russian, despite understanding that Ukraine will never accept such a move, as per Ukrainian media.

He also stressed that Kyiv’s position is supported across Europe, even by countries that are not directly aligned with Ukraine in the war.

“I believe that most likely Russia is sending a signal to America: recognise Crimea. Understanding that Ukraine will not recognise it, and understanding that Ukraine has influence in the European segment. Even those countries that are not our allies in this war are still supporters of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, because they understand that by risking us, they would also be risking certain of their own territories,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president added that Kyiv is making clear its expectation that any settlement must lead to “a dignified and reliable end to the war,” and warned against outcomes that would create new dangers by offering what he called a “reward to the aggressor.”

“If someone wants to decide issues for us that contradict the Constitution or the legislation of Ukraine, we will not support such agreements,” Zelenskyy said.

By Tamilla Hasanova