**Ukraine Stands Firm on Territorial Integrity Amid U.S. Peace Proposal**
In a strong statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed his country’s commitment to its Constitution and territorial integrity, echoing a 2018 U.S. declaration denouncing Russian occupation of Crimea. This move comes as the United States reportedly proposed de jure recognition of Russian control over the Crimean peninsula, a proposal that has been met with skepticism by Ukraine.
**The 2018 U.S. Declaration**
In July 2018, then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed a declaration denouncing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and pledging to maintain this policy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored. This statement reflects the international community’s shared principle that no country can change another’s borders by force.
**Ukraine’s Position**
President Zelensky has consistently ruled out formally ceding any territory to Russia, a stance that has been reiterated in his latest statement. In contrast, the U.S.’s proposed peace plan reportedly includes de jure recognition of Crimea’s annexation and de facto acceptance of Russian occupation of parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.
**U.S.-Ukraine Tensions Rise**
The White House responded to Zelensky’s statement on Crimea by saying that “nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory.” This exchange has highlighted the growing tensions between Ukraine and the U.S. over the proposed peace plan, with some in Washington pushing for a more pragmatic approach to resolving the conflict.
**A Meeting of Minds**
Despite these differences, a meeting was held in London on April 23 among Ukrainian delegates, including Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The Ukrainian representatives stressed the need for a ceasefire as the first necessary step toward a peace deal.
**Ukraine’s Commitment to Peace**
President Zelensky remained optimistic about the prospects of a peaceful resolution, saying that “emotions have run high today. But it is good that five countries met to bring peace closer.” He expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s partners and emphasized his country’s commitment to acting in accordance with its Constitution.
In conclusion, while there are clear differences between Ukraine and the U.S. over the proposed peace plan, both sides remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the international community watches these developments closely, one thing is clear: Ukraine will not compromise on its territorial integrity without a fight.
