In a bold move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of hindering efforts for a ceasefire with Russia. Trump argues that Zelenskyy could bring an end to the bloodshed by conceding Crimea to Russia as part of a peace agreement.

"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to acknowledge Crimea as Russian territory, but if he desires to reclaim Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it back when it was surrendered to Russia without a shot being fired eleven years ago?" Trump posted on Truth Social.

The Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in February 2014 during a period of unrest in Ukraine, has been at the center of the conflict. The annexation allowed Russia strategic access to critical sea routes and valuable energy resources in the Black Sea.

Emily Ferris, a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, noted that Russia's move to control Crimea was not just a territorial gain—it was also aimed at making Ukrainian integration with the West less appealing, setting the stage for Putin's later full-scale invasion in 2022.

In response to Trump's claims, Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea of ceding any Ukrainian land to Russia. "There is nothing to discuss—it is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people," he declared. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he also stated, "Stopping the killing is task number one."

Zelenskyy’s response came just before crucial diplomatic talks in London, which were unexpectedly downscaled after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff withdrew.

Trump’s representative at the talks, Keith Kellogg, stepped in to maintain U.S. involvement amid logistical issues that left the British Foreign Office surprised.

Meanwhile, American attention is shifting towards Moscow, where Witkoff is expected to meet with Putin for the fourth time, reflecting a growing desperation to resolve the conflict.

In an assertive statement, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance warned that America might step back from negotiations if a ceasefire agreement isn't reached. "We’ve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say ‘yes’ or for the United States to walk away from this process," he revealed.

Last week in Paris, a proposal surfaced suggesting that Russia could maintain control over certain occupied Ukrainian territories as part of a potential deal, indicating the complexities still looming over any hope for peace.

As discussions persist, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, and the world holds its breath, hoping for a breakthrough.