The Trump administration is exploring a significant policy change that would acknowledge Russian occupation of Crimea and additional Ukrainian regions as part of efforts to broker an end to the ongoing conflict, according to recent reports.
Key Diplomatic Developments
The Telegraph reports that President Trump has sent peace envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner to Moscow to present proposals to Russian leadership. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate this represents a substantial departure from longstanding U.S. policy dating back to Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea.
The approach has reportedly created tension with European allies, who have consistently opposed any peace framework involving territorial concessions. An official briefed on the negotiations suggested American negotiators appear unconcerned about maintaining alignment with the European position.
Proposal Details
Putin has indicated that Washington’s acceptance of Russian claims over Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk would be central to any peace discussions. The Kremlin confirmed receiving a revised American proposal following intensive talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Geneva.
Initial drafts presented by Witkoff included a 28-point framework offering de facto acknowledgment of Russian control over Crimea and occupied Donbas areas, with provisions for recognizing Russian-held territory in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia following a ceasefire. This was subsequently condensed to a 19-point plan that Ukrainian officials characterized as less advantageous to Moscow, though the territorial recognition element allegedly remained.
Ukrainian Constitutional Constraints
Ukrainian officials maintain that any territorial concessions are legally impossible without constitutional changes. President Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasized that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits any president from ceding territory without a nationwide referendum.
Yermak and Ukraine’s national security adviser are scheduled to visit Mar-a-Lago for continued discussions. The current proposal reportedly leaves territorial matters unresolved pending direct talks between Trump and Zelensky.
International Implications
Such recognition would conflict with the unified diplomatic stance maintained by European nations, the U.K., and most international actors since 2014. This week, coalition members supporting Ukraine reaffirmed that borders cannot be altered through force.
A European counter-proposal removes any territorial recognition language, stating instead that such issues would be addressed after a complete ceasefire.
Formal U.S. recognition would mark a historic break from American diplomatic precedent—similar to Washington’s refusal to acknowledge Soviet annexation of Baltic states during the Cold War. Experts warn this could undermine Western sanctions tied to Russia’s illegal annexations and complicate Ukraine’s security arrangements with European governments.
Moscow’s position on retaining all claimed territories, including contested areas, suggests limited flexibility on territorial compromises. Ukrainian officials indicate the most contentious issues will likely remain unresolved until direct presidential-level discussions occur.
