Ukraine’s Zelensky notes ‘emotions’ in talks, alludes to dispute with US over Crimea
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivering a press conference in Kyiv on April 22.
PHOTO: AFP
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KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged on April 23 that peace talks in London had been marked by “emotions” and pledged that Ukraine would abide by its Constitution, an oblique reference to US criticism of his stand that Kyiv could never recognise Russian control over the Crimea peninsula.
“Emotions have run high today. But it is good that five countries met to bring peace closer,” Mr Zelensky wrote on the X social media platform after the talks.
“The American side shared its vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their inputs. And we hope that it is exactly such joint work that will lead to lasting peace.”
In his post, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine “will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners, in particular the USA, will act in line with its strong decisions”.
He appended a copy of a 2018 statement by then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo – during Mr Donald Trump’s first term as president – calling on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea and uphold the principle of not changing borders by force.
Russia seized Crimea in 2014 after a popular uprising in Kyiv prompted Ukraine’s Russia-friendly president at the time to flee the country. Russia then held an illegal referendum in the peninsula – denounced by Western countries – and afterwards claimed to have annexed the territory.
Mr Zelensky on April 22 reiterated that Ukraine will not recognise Russia’s annexation of Crimea, saying: “There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our Constitution.”
Mr Trump, who argued with Mr Zelensky
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt later said Mr Trump’s patience with the Ukrainian President was “running very thin” and that Mr Zelensky “seems to be moving in the wrong direction”. REUTERS
