Ukraine-Russia war latest: ‘US considers recognising Crimea as Russian’ as Trump and Putin set for crucial call
Donald Trump is considering recognising the occupied peninsula of Crimea as Russian, aligning with Vladimir Putin, it has been claimed.
Russia illegally annexed the Ukrainian land in 2014 after the pro-Russian president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted following pro-Europe protests. It has since been used as a staging post to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Two sources familiar with the discussions told the US news site Semafor that the Trump administration is considering recognising this illegal annexation, though it is one of many options being discussed. Administration officials have also discussed the possibility of the US encouraging the United Nations to do the same.
National security council spokesperson Brian Hughes told the site that the administration has “made no such commitments”.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump claims that “many elements” of a Ukraine peace deal have been agreed upon ahead of his planned phone call with Mr Putin later today. The call is expected to take place between 1 pm and 3 pm.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is withdrawing from the Russian border region of Kursk after Moscow launched a rapid counteroffensive.
