**US Recognition of Crimea’s Annexation Sparks Outrage in Ukraine**
A proposal by the US to formally recognize Russia’s control over Crimea has been met with fierce opposition from Ukrainian lawmakers. The move, which is part of a proposed peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, has been seen as a betrayal by many in Kyiv.
According to Axios, the Trump administration’s final proposal for ending the war included de jure recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories. This has sparked widespread outrage among lawmakers, who have warned that such a move would set a dangerous precedent and plunge the world into wars.
“It sets a very dangerous precedent that could plunge the world into numerous wars,” said Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker from the European Solidarity Party. “Ukraine should not side with those intending to violate the fundamental principles established after World War II.”
The proposal has also been met with skepticism by many in Ukraine, who are concerned about the potential consequences of recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea.
“I really fear that the question of recognizing Crimea being raised during negotiations,” said Yelyzaveta Yasko, a lawmaker from the Servant of the People party. “I don’t like it. I cannot imagine us agreeing to this if it’s real de jure recognition.”
**De facto vs De Jure Recognition**
While de facto recognition would mean accepting that Russian troops are in control of Ukrainian territory for the foreseeable future, de jure recognition would be final and would admit that the land is under Russian control indefinitely.
“This would be a disaster for Ukraine,” said Ariev. “It would be a betrayal of our country’s sovereignty and would open Pandora’s box globally.”
**Constitutional Obstacles**
The Ukrainian Constitution does not provide for the recognition of its territories as being seized by another country, making it impossible to legally recognize Crimea as Russian.
“The Ukrainian Constitution does not provide for the recognition of its territories as being seized by another (country),” said Ariev. “We cannot pass any acts that contradict our Constitution.”
**Consequences of Recognition**
If the US were to follow through with the move, it could have serious consequences for Ukraine and the world at large.
“Recognizing territory seized by military means — this would be the first such recognition since World War II — sets a dangerous precedent that could reignite wars in the future,” said Ariev. “This is extremely dangerous and cruel.”
The US has given Kyiv an ultimatum, threatening to back out of the peace effort if Ukraine doesn’t agree to its proposal.
**A Moment of Danger**
Ukraine finds itself at a very dangerous moment, with the US threatening to walk away from negotiations unless Ukraine agrees to its proposal.
“We will never agree,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, lawmaker and chair of the parliament’s foreign affairs committee. “It will be considered as a provocation with a view (for the U.S.) to exit negotiations and to put the blame on the victim of the aggression.”
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: any move by the US to recognize Russia’s control over Crimea would have serious consequences for Ukraine and the world at large.
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