Volodymyr Zelensky published a statement by the Trump 2018 administration that opposes the annexation of Crimea by Moscow, in response to criticism of the US president who criticized him on Wednesday, April 23 for having reaffirmed that kyiv would not recognize Russian sovereignty in this territory.
In Telegram, the Ukrainian president published a link to this statement of July 25, 2018 signed by Mike Pompeo, then head of American diplomacy, who stipulated in particular that “the United States rejects the attempt to annexation of Crimea by Russia.”
“Ukraine will always act respecting its constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners, in particular the United States, will act following their strong decisions,” Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in the message that accompanies this statement dating from the first mandate of Donald Trump.
“It is against our Constitution. It is our territory”
Volodymyr Zelensky referred to the fact that the Constitution of Ukraine stipulates that Crimea is part of Ukraine.
Donald Trump did not say that he wanted Washington to recognize the annexation of Crimea, occupied by Moscow since 2014, but published a long message on Wednesday that “Crimea has been lost for years” and “it is not even the issue of a debate.”
According to Washington Post, the United States proposes to recognize Crimea as a Russian territory, an important claim of Vladimir Putin, as part of a peace agreement.
On Tuesday, the Ukrainian president had once again opposed such a possibility. “There is nothing to discuss. It is against our Constitution. It is our territory,” he said.
“This statement is very harmful to peace negotiations with Russia,” said Donald Trump on Wednesday, accusing him of blocking an agreement with Moscow to end the conflict.
Volodymyr Zelensky “can have peace or can fight for another three years before losing the entire country,” said Donald Trump.
“We hope this common work will lead to a lasting peace”
This new launch against Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at a time when discussions between US, Ukrainian and European officials were held in London.
“Today there have been many emotions. But it is good for five countries to gather to bring peace closer,” Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday night about these conversations.
“The American part has shared its vision. Ukraine and other European countries have made their contribution. We hope that this common work will be necessary that will lead to lasting peace,” he added.
Source: BFM TV
