World Leaders Reject U.S. Proposal to Recognize Crimea as Russian Territory

A U.S. proposal to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea has been met with strong opposition from global leaders, who reaffirm their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law, The Gaze reports.

In the UK, Deputy Foreign Minister Stephen Doughty stated:

“The UK’s position regarding Ukrainian sovereignty is well known and our position has not changed, and we do not recognise Russian sovereignty over any territory illegally seized from Ukraine, including Crimea.”

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment, asserting:

“Crimea is Ukraine. It means a lot for the ones who are occupied that others don’t recognise this as Russian.”

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys warned against undermining international law:

“From the point of view of international law, Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine within the borders recognized by Ukraine. There can be no discussion about it, it is a dangerous place, because it sends a signal that by occupying the territory and holding it for some years, one can claim its legal possession.”

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the question of Crimea's status is “not relevant at this time.”

Donald Trump “is describing a situation that exists,” said Emmanuel Macron: “Does that mean we should give Russia a free pass? No.” The question of the peninsula's status “is not on the table right now, and it's not up to us to decide,” he added.

“We are doing everything we can to help Ukraine defeat Russia because I will say this plainly: there can be no lasting peace without Ukraine regaining its sovereignty and internationally recognized borders, including Crimea.” 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the need for unconditional peace talks: 

“This is what we consider one of the preconditions. But we have to focus on the desire, on Ukraine’s readiness to go for an unconditional ceasefire.”

“I believe that President Zelensky’s agreement to an unconditional ceasefire should be viewed in a positive light. Not as a matter of giving up territories,” he added.

An unnamed senior European official also expressed concerns about the U.S. proposal for The Financial Times:

“Major European NATO powers should discourage the U.S. from recognizing Crimea as Russian unilaterally.”

As The Gaze previously reported, last week in Paris, the Trump administration delivered a one-page document to Ukraine, labeled as the "final proposal" for a peace settlement. The proposal entails that the U.S. would de jure acknowledge Russia's claim over Crimea.

Read more on The Gaze:  Why Ukraine cannot give up the territories occupied by Russia