Trump may consider recognising Russian control of Crimea in Ukraine peace push – Bloomberg

The United States, under Donald Trump’s prospective leadership, may consider recognising Russian control over Crimea as part of a broader peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing unnamed sources familiar with the discussions.

The potential concession signals Trump’s intention to broker a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, the report said. Trump and his expected Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, have both warned that the U.S. could withdraw from mediation efforts unless swift progress is made.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 following a military intervention and a disputed referendum conducted under occupation. The international community has largely refused to recognise the annexation to avoid legitimising territorial acquisition by force—a breach of international law.

Any move to acknowledge Russian sovereignty over Crimea could undermine global legal norms, observers warn. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently stated that Ukraine will not cede any of its territory to Moscow.

Such recognition, however, would mark a significant victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long sought international legitimacy over the peninsula. According to Bloomberg, Putin has so far rejected Trump’s broader proposal for a negotiated settlement.

Sources noted that no final decision has been made, and both the White House and State Department declined to comment. A U.S. official familiar with the matter also refused to disclose specifics of the negotiations.

The U.S. recently presented peace framework proposals to allies during a meeting in Paris, including terms for a potential ceasefire and the easing of sanctions against Moscow in the event of a lasting truce.

The plan would effectively freeze current front lines, leaving most Russian-held Ukrainian territories under Moscow’s control. Kyiv’s ambitions for NATO membership would also reportedly be shelved under the draft terms.