A peace proposal from the Trump administration suggesting formal U.S. recognition of Russian control over Crimea has alarmed Ukrainian officials, who insist they will never formally surrender the territory—even though they acknowledge it may remain under Russian control for now. Experts say conceding Crimea is both politically and legally unfeasible, as it would require a constitutional amendment, a national referendum, and could be considered an act of treason. Ukrainian lawmakers and the general public overwhelmingly oppose such a move.
“This means nothing to us,” said Oleksandr Merezkho, a member of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party. “We will never accept Crimea as Russian.” A formal surrender would not only cement Crimea’s loss but also extinguish hopes of reclaiming it in the future.
Although polls show growing acceptance among Ukrainians that temporary concessions may be necessary to secure peace, public statements carefully avoid suggesting any permanent territorial loss.
Trump recently emphasized in a Time magazine interview that “Crimea will stay with Russia,” claiming that Zelenskyy understands this reality. He further asserted that Crimea was effectively lost during the Obama administration. His remarks add to concerns that Ukraine is being pressured to make painful concessions while still under attack. Trump has also blamed Zelenskyy for allegedly dragging out the war by refusing negotiations with Russia.
Crimea, a critical Black Sea peninsula, was annexed by Russia in 2014 following Ukraine’s Euromaidan protests and the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Ukrainian officials have long said any peace deal might involve concessions of occupied land, but Zelenskyy has repeatedly set a hard line against formally ceding territory.
According to a senior European official, Trump’s plan would have the U.S. officially recognize Crimea as Russian and tacitly accept Moscow’s control of other Ukrainian territories. However, Zelenskyy’s hands are tied—he cannot legally agree to surrender land without massive legal and political repercussions. Signing such an agreement could expose him to accusations of high treason, experts warn.
Ukraine’s acceptance that it may not reclaim lost regions became more apparent after the failure of the 2023 summer counteroffensive. Since then, Kyiv has focused on defending existing positions. In any peace arrangement, Ukraine is seeking strong security guarantees, ideally NATO membership or concrete military support from Western allies.
Zelenskyy has emphasized that decisions about occupied territories will be delayed until a ceasefire is established. After a recent call with Trump, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would never legally recognize Russian claims to its land. Giving up Crimea remains the “most difficult question,” he said.
For Zelenskyy, formally surrendering Crimea would amount to political suicide and could subject him to future legal action. Any move to adjust Ukraine’s territorial integrity would require a public vote—a nearly impossible political task.
“This is precisely why Russia pushes for such outcomes,” said Tymofiy Mylovanov, president of the Kyiv School of Economics. “They know it’s unattainable under Ukraine’s constitutional system.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines vow to keep fighting regardless of political developments. “We lost our best men in this war,” said Oleksandr, a soldier stationed in Donetsk. “We won’t stop until every inch of Ukraine is free.”
