U.S. Willing to Recognize Crimea as Part of Russia in Ceasefire Deal

The American outlet Bloomberg reported late Thursday that the United States may be willing to recognize Crimea as part of Russia as a component of any proposed ceasefire agreement in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This development follows comments made by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, both suggesting that the U.S. could withdraw from negotiations if a ceasefire is not reached soon.

President Trump has long expressed frustration over his inability to secure a ceasefire, something he had repeatedly claimed he could achieve quickly prior to his election to the presidency last November.

Inside the Trump administration, there are reportedly growing divisions over how to proceed with the conflict. Figures such as Vice President J.D. Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff are said to be pushing for concessions to Russia in order to expedite a ceasefire. Meanwhile, hardliners including Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and envoy Keith Kellogg are advocating for increased sanctions and a tougher stance against Moscow.

With tensions escalating in the Middle East over Iran’s nuclear program and a deepening trade war with China, President Trump may be under increasing pressure to extricate the United States from the war in Ukraine.

On Thursday, Trump stated he expected a response from Russia “this week” regarding the most recent ceasefire proposal—something he has reiterated several times since returning to the White House.

Though Russia has yet to issue an official response to the latest proposal, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said on Thursday that a ceasefire is “unrealistic” at this time.

Crimea has been under Russian control since 2014. In addition to Crimea, Russia claims sovereignty over four other Ukrainian regions—territories President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly said are non-negotiable. As a result, U.S. recognition of Crimea may not be enough to significantly shift Moscow’s position on a broader ceasefire agreement.