Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump did not raise the issue of Crimea during their discussions, despite reports suggesting Trump is considering recognizing the peninsula as Russian territory.
Speaking at a press conference in Oslo, Norway, on Thursday, Zelensky responded to questions regarding Trump’s alleged plans to acknowledge Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea as part of a potential deal to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“That [Crimea] is a Ukrainian peninsula. President Trump did not raise this with me,” Zelensky affirmed.
He further described the deteriorating state of Crimea under Russian control, stating that the region is in decline. “You can do many things—five-star hotels, different buildings—but without Ukrainians, the tourists won’t come. Everything is just dying out,” he added.
The statement comes as Russia reportedly presents the United States with demands for a deal to end its ongoing war against Ukraine.
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