On the 23rd, U.S. President Trump posted on social media 'Truth Social', indicating that recent 'inflammatory remarks' by Ukrainian President Zelensky are obstructing the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On the 22nd, Zelensky told the media that Ukraine is willing to sit at the negotiating table 'in any form' after a ceasefire is reached, but will never recognize occupied territories as belonging to Russia.
Zelensky said, 'Ukraine will not recognize the legitimate occupation of Crimea by Russia, there is nothing to discuss on this issue, it is beyond our constitutional provisions.'
Trump accused Zelensky’s remarks of being 'very harmful' to the peace negotiations with Russia, saying that such 'inflammatory remarks' make the Russia-Ukraine conflict difficult to resolve, only prolonging the killings.
He stated that a deal is now very close, and Zelensky should get the deal done immediately.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Wance, who is visiting India, told the media on the 23rd: 'We have proposed a very clear proposal to both Russia and Ukraine, and now it is their turn to reply whether to accept it, or it will be the time for the U.S. to walk away.'
He stated: 'I believe now is the time to take one of the final steps, which might even be the final step, that is, for the parties to broadly say, let’s stop the killing, we need to somehow freeze the boundaries close to today’s position. This undoubtedly means both Ukrainians and Russians will have to give up some of their existing territories.'
The U.S. proposal reportedly includes Ukraine recognizing Russia's occupation of Crimea and Ukraine not joining NATO.