Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that Ukraine does not have the military power needed to resume Crimea by force, but asked the international community to maintain pressure on Russia, which illegally occupies the peninsula since 2014.
“I agree with the president (Donald) Trump that Ukraine does not have enough weapons to resume control of the Crime Peninsula for the force of arms,” Zelensky said at a meeting on Friday (25).
“But the world has opportunities for sanctions, other economic pressures, diplomatic pressures to talk about it, to discuss territorial issues,” the Ukrainian continued, “but only after a complete and unconditional ceasefire. This is our vision.”
Last week, the White House revealed that it depended on recognition by the US and other Ukrainian territories occupied since the beginning of the invasion in 2022, according to an authority familiar with the structure.
Trump told Time magazine on Friday that “Crimea will remain with Russia. And Zelensky understands that, and everyone understands that they have been with them for a long time.”
The Ukrainian President reiterated that the Constitution of Ukraine prevents him from legitimizing the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014.
“Our position cannot contradict the constitution of Ukraine,” said Zelensky. “This [território] It is not my property. It is the property of the Ukrainian people. ”
Zelensky also said on Friday that he can arrive in time after numerous war-related meetings.
Regardless, the Ukrainian first lady, Olena Zelenska, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will represent Ukraine there.
“If I don’t have time (to go to the Vatican), Ukraine will be represented at a decent level. Foreign Minister and the First Lady will be there,” Zelensky said at the meeting.
