The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering recognizing Russian "control" over Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia, as part of a broader peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. This revelation came to light on April 18, 2025, through a report by Bloomberg, which cited informed sources. However, the decision on this matter has not yet been finalized, and both the White House and the State Department have not responded to requests for comment from journalists.
A US official familiar with the negotiations regarding a peaceful settlement in Ukraine declined to comment on the potential recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. This hesitation comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of five Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, that Russia demands recognition of as part of any peace deal. On April 14, US Presidential Envoy Stephen Witkoff stated in an interview with Fox News that Russian President Vladimir Putin is striving for peace in Ukraine, but the "biggest problem in this conflict" revolves around these territories.
In response to Witkoff’s comments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Marco Rutte in Odessa that all territories belong to Ukraine. He stated, "All territories belong to the unitary state of Ukraine. Therefore... only the people of Ukraine can talk about the territory of our state." This assertion underscores Ukraine's firm stance on its territorial integrity amidst the ongoing conflict.
On the same day, President Trump threatened to withdraw US mediation efforts if Russia and Ukraine do not reach a peace agreement "very soon." While he refrained from specifying any deadlines, Trump expressed hope that mediation would not reach a point of cessation. He indicated that he expects a response from Russia regarding a potential ceasefire within the week, stating, "We are going to get an answer from them this week. This is very soon."
Moreover, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments, suggesting that the United States could withdraw from negotiations in the coming days if there are no signs of a potential deal. Rubio highlighted that Trump has been actively engaged in mediation efforts at the highest levels for nearly 90 days, but the time is approaching when a decision must be made on whether a resolution is feasible. He remarked, "If reaching an agreement is impossible, then the United States has other priorities that require attention."
Rubio noted that the military conflict in Ukraine is a "terrible thing" but reiterated that it is not America’s war, stating, "We did not start it." This perspective reflects a desire within the US administration to prioritize domestic issues over foreign conflicts, especially if a resolution appears unattainable. The Secretary of State pointed out that Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has met with Putin three times, and American negotiators have engaged with the Ukrainian side multiple times as well.
In a recent meeting in Paris with representatives from Ukraine and European nations, Rubio conveyed the message that the US is prepared to assist when both Russia and Ukraine are ready for peace. However, he stressed the need for a quick determination on the viability of a deal, suggesting that a resolution must be achievable within weeks. He stated, "We are not going to continue this work for weeks and months. Therefore, it is necessary to determine very quickly—I'm talking about a few days—whether this is feasible in the next few weeks. If so, then we are in."
The urgency in the US stance is compounded by the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict, with Trump previously stating on his social media platform that too many lives are being lost, claiming that thousands are dying each week in what he described as a "terrible and senseless war."
As discussions continue, the Kremlin has responded to Rubio's comments regarding the potential withdrawal of the US from mediation efforts. On April 18, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that questions about the US's mediation role should be directed to Washington. He added that certain progress could already be noted, particularly regarding the moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure.
Since Trump's return to the White House in February, the US has been actively mediating between Russia and Ukraine, with negotiations taking place in various formats, including bilateral meetings in Saudi Arabia. Following these discussions, an agreement was reached for a 30-day moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure, although both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of violating this accord.
During a meeting on April 17, representatives from the US, Ukraine, the UK, Germany, and France convened in Paris to discuss the ongoing situation. Following this meeting, Rubio communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, relaying the same message that was presented to the Ukrainian delegation and European allies: the US desires an end to the conflict.
As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful of the US's next steps and the potential implications of recognizing Crimea as part of Russia. The ongoing negotiations reflect the complexities of the conflict and the challenges faced in achieving a lasting peace.
