A peace plan proposed by the Trump administration, which involves recognizing Russian control over Crimea, has stunned Ukrainian officials. They insist they will never formally surrender the peninsula, even if they are forced to concede it temporarily.
Experts highlight that giving up Crimea — illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 — is politically and legally impossible for Ukraine. It would require amending the constitution, a nationwide referendum, and could even be considered an act of treason. Ukrainian lawmakers and the public remain firmly against any formal concession.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” said Oleksandr Merezkho, a member of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party. “We will never recognize Crimea as part of Russia.”
Unlike a temporary concession, formally surrendering Crimea would permanently end any Ukrainian claim and hope of future reunification.
While many Ukrainians acknowledge that some land might need to be ceded as part of a ceasefire, surveys show growing acceptance of such compromises — provided they are seen as temporary. Leaders like Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko have hinted at the possibility of “temporary” territorial concessions, emphasizing that admitting permanent loss would be both politically disastrous and heartbreaking for millions living under Russian occupation.
Such a move would also undermine the sacrifices made by tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed or wounded during the conflict.
In a recent interview with Time magazine, former U.S. President Donald Trump reinforced his stance, stating: “Crimea will stay with Russia. Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.”
