It is alleged that the Trump administration is considering recognizing Crimea as “Russian territory” in exchange for a peace agreement in Ukraine. According to claims reported in the US media, President Donald Trump is evaluating the possibility of recognizing Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, as Russian territory as part of a potential peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. Based on a report from the investigative journalism platform Semafor, citing two informed sources, US officials also discussed the possibility of encouraging the United Nations (UN) to take a similar step in this direction. Semafor also reported that the White House declined to comment on the issue. While Reuters news agency stated it could not confirm the claims, indicating that Trump has not made an official decision yet, and the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory is among various options being considered. Trump reportedly had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, lasting about 2.5 hours, agreeing to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and aiming for a lasting peace process. It is unknown whether the fate of Crimea was discussed during the call.

WHAT HAPPENED IN CRIMEA?

It has been 7 years since Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. However, Crimea continues to be recognized as part of Ukraine by most countries internationally, including Turkey. The Kremlin claims that Crimea hosted Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and had a predominantly Russian-speaking population before annexation, asserting its rights over the region. Despite a boycott by Crimean Tatars, a so-called referendum was held on March 16, 2014, leading to the announcement of Crimea’s accession to Russia. On March 21, 2014, Putin signed a law in a ceremony at the Kremlin Palace, establishing Crimea and Sevastopol as new federal districts and effectively illegalizing the annexation.