Ukrainians have vowed never to surrender Crimea, despite a peace proposal from the Trump administration that suggests recognizing Russian control over the peninsula. Ukrainian officials and experts assert that any formal concession would be unconstitutional, politically impossible, and considered an act of treason.
Lawmakers from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party emphasized that Ukraine will never legally or morally recognize Crimea as Russian territory. While a portion of the population acknowledges that temporary compromises might be necessary for peace, they fiercely oppose permanent territorial losses.
Trump, in a recent Time magazine interview, stated, “Crimea will stay with Russia,” intensifying pressure on Ukraine to accept unfavorable terms. However, Zelenskyy has repeatedly stressed that Ukraine will not formally recognize the loss of any territory, highlighting that such a move would dishonor the sacrifices of thousands of fallen soldiers and betray those still living under occupation.
Experts warn that Ukraine’s constitution demands a national referendum to alter its borders, making any unilateral decision by the president legally invalid and politically devastating. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces on the front lines remain resolute, pledging to continue fighting until every inch of Ukrainian land is liberated.