US proposal to recognise Crimea as Russian sparks outrage in Europe

The US’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which includes the controversial recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, has ignited a firestorm of criticism across Europe.

Washington's willingness to officially recognise Crimea as part of Russia has sparked strong opposition in key European capitals, including Brussels, Paris, Berlin, and London, straining transatlantic relations to new heights, Caliber.Az reports per German media.

Reports indicate that Trump’s peace plan would not only effectively cede Crimea and other occupied territories to Russia but also lift sanctions against Moscow. In return, the plan promises "robust security guarantees" and reconstruction aid for Ukraine, though no details on these measures have been specified. The plan also proposes returning a small portion of the Russian-occupied area near Kharkiv to Ukraine, but notably, it excludes NATO membership for the country.

The European response has been swift and resolute. EU leaders, particularly in Brussels, have voiced strong opposition to any plan that legitimises Russia’s control over Crimea. EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas reinforced this position, stating unequivocally, "Crimea is Ukraine," a view shared by several European government officials. The EU has also insisted that any peace solution must align with the wishes of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a stance that remains unchanged despite growing pressure.

With the US appearing increasingly unilateral in its approach, European nations are caught in a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they face mounting pressure to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression; on the other, they must contend with Washington's growing influence in shaping the peace process. This dilemma has deepened with the cancellation of a high-profile meeting by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, further highlighting the lack of coordination between the US and its European allies.

The risk of a deeper divide within Europe is also becoming a pressing concern. There are fears that the US’s actions could spark a rift within the EU, particularly if Washington moves ahead with a unilateral lifting of sanctions against Russia. Such a move could polarise EU member states, dividing those like Hungary who oppose sanctions from those advocating for even tougher measures.

The growing tension is also putting NATO in a precarious position. The alliance’s longstanding policy of not recognising Russia’s annexation of Crimea directly contradicts the proposed US peace plan, setting the stage for a potential showdown at the upcoming NATO summit in June. Originally intended to focus on defence spending, the summit now risks turning into a battleground over Ukraine, further deepening transatlantic divisions.

Jeremy Shapiro of the European Council on Foreign Relations warned that the US had been the anchor of unity in European policy on Ukraine, and its shift could make it difficult for European nations to remain aligned. As the situation continues to evolve, European leaders are grappling with the challenge of supporting Ukraine while maintaining their strategic alliance with the US—an increasingly difficult task.

With tensions running high, an EU official summed up the mood in Brussels: "Things do not look good at all." The uncertainty surrounding the peace plan and its potential fallout has left Europe in a state of paralysis, unsure of how to move forward without fracturing its unity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev