Washington, 24 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reminded the United States of its 2018 declaration rejecting Russia's annexation of Crimea, after US President Donald Trump had voiced criticism for his refusal to accept the Russian occupation of the peninsula.

"Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions," Zelensky said on Wednesday in a statement posted on Telegram and X.

He attached the 2018 US statement on Crimea, which calls on Russia to withdraw from the peninsula, which belongs to Ukraine under international law.

"The United States rejects Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine's territorial integrity is restored," read the declaration, issued by then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo during Trump's first term.

Trump: Zelensky comments harm peace negotiations

Trump had criticized Zelensky earlier on Wednesday and said his refusal to accept the Russian occupation of Crimea was prolonging the war.

"This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"

"It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War," Trump added.

Russia continues to demand that Ukraine cede Crimea and four other occupied regions as part of any agreement to end the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the French magazine Le Point that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from all annexed territories if Kiev wants peace.

Trump: 'I think we have a deal with Russia'

Trump also told reporters on Wednesday Russia was ready to negotiate a solution to end the war in Ukraine.

"I think we have a deal with Russia, we have to get a deal with Zelensky," he said, adding that he "thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far, it's been harder, but that's okay."

He did not clarify whether he would meet with the Ukrainian president at Pope Francis's funeral in Rome on Saturday. Both leaders were set to travel to Italy to attend the service.

The United States has been urging the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire for several weeks, so far without success. US media reported this week that the Trump administration wants Kiev to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea as a part of a peace framework with Moscow.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over three years.

Photo: X screenshot