US President Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for jeopardizing peace talks, following Zelensky's statement that Ukraine would not acknowledge Russian authority over Crimea.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that a resolution to the conflict was "very close," but claimed that Zelensky's unwillingness to accept US proposals "will only extend" the war.
Earlier, US Vice-President JD Vance outlined the US perspective on a potential agreement, suggesting it would "freeze the territorial lines close to their current positions."
Ukraine has consistently maintained that it will not relinquish Crimea, a region that Russia illegally annexed in 2014.
Vance indicated that the proposed deal would require both Ukraine and Russia to "relinquish some of the territory they currently control."
The administration has not yet disclosed specific details regarding the territorial concessions that might be necessary.
When questioned by reporters at the White House about whether the administration was considering recognizing Russia's claim over Crimea, Trump expressed a desire to see the conflict resolved.
"I have no favorites. I don't want to have any favorites. I want to see a deal finalized," he stated.
Acknowledging Russia's unlawful occupation of Crimea would not only be politically unfeasible for Zelensky, but it would also contradict post-war international legal principles that assert borders should not be altered through force.
Zelensky has consistently dismissed any notion of surrendering Ukraine's claim to Crimea.
"There is nothing to discuss here. This goes against our constitution," he remarked.
Recently, Ukraine reported a missile and drone assault by Russia across several regions.
In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that two individuals were killed and 54 were injured, including children and a pregnant woman. Debris from drones sparked multiple fires, and several people were trapped under the rubble of a residential building, he noted.
In Kharkiv, explosions were reported in the city.
Earlier, nine people lost their lives and many others were injured in the eastern city of Marhanets when a Russian drone struck a bus carrying workers.
The exchange of remarks between Trump and Zelensky marks another chapter in their often contentious relationship.
Trump mentioned on Wednesday in the Oval Office that he found it easier to negotiate with Russia than with Ukraine.
"I believe Russia is ready," Trump stated, expressing his belief that a deal with the Kremlin was imminent, but that progress with Ukraine was lacking. "I thought it might be simpler to engage with Zelensky. So far, it has proven more challenging."
He left the possibility open for a meeting with the Ukrainian leader during the gathering of world leaders for Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday.
On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly claimed he could resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict in a single day, yet as he nears his 100th day in office, a ceasefire remains out of reach.
"The president is feeling frustrated," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters. "His patience is wearing thin."
Vance cautioned on Wednesday that the US would "withdraw" from its role in negotiations if Russia and Ukraine fail to reach an agreement - echoing sentiments expressed last week by Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
US officials also withdrew from a meeting in London to concentrate on discussions in Moscow, as diplomatic efforts to conclude the war accelerate.
The London discussions, involving officials from the UK, France, Germany, Ukraine, and the US aimed at securing a ceasefire, were downgraded this week after Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff opted out.
Instead, Trump's envoy to Ukraine, Gen Keith Kellogg, participated in the London talks, while Witkoff is set to meet President Vladimir Putin in Russia for the fourth time.
British diplomats expressed uncertainty regarding the reasons behind Rubio and Witkoff's withdrawal from the London discussions.
The US State Department cited logistical issues, but it was evident that the decision was made at the last minute, leaving the Foreign Office caught off guard.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today program, Yuriy Sak, an adviser to Ukraine's ministry of strategic industries, stated that Ukrainian negotiators would attend the London meeting with a "very clear, narrow mandate" aimed at achieving a ceasefire that would "facilitate further discussions."
Since Wednesday, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine following a brief pause during Easter when it suspended airstrikes.
Putin had declared a temporary ceasefire for the Easter weekend, but UK Defence Secretary John Healey informed the House of Commons on Tuesday that British military intelligence found no evidence of a reduction in attacks.
"While Putin claims he declared an Easter truce, he violated it," he stated. "While Putin asserts he desires peace, he has rejected a full ceasefire; and while he claims he wants to end the fighting, he continues to stall in negotiations."
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of individuals have been killed or injured on all sides since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with nearly seven million Ukrainians currently classified as refugees worldwide.
The conflict dates back over a decade, beginning in 2014 when Ukraine's pro-Russian president was ousted. Russia subsequently annexed Crimea and supported militants in violent clashes in eastern Ukraine.