Reports suggest that the Trump administration is considering recognizing Crimea as “Russian territory” in exchange for a peace deal in Ukraine. According to claims in the American media, President Donald Trump is evaluating the recognition of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, as Russian territory as part of a potential peace agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine. Investigative journalism platform Semafor’s news, based on two informed sources, suggests that US officials also discussed the possibility of encouraging the United Nations (UN) to take a similar step. Semafor also reported that the White House declined to comment on the matter. Reuters, however, stated that it could not confirm these allegations and reported that Trump has not made an official decision yet, with the possibility of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory being among various options. Trump engaged in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, lasting around 2.5 hours, reportedly accepting a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and discussing a lasting peace process. It remains unknown whether the fate of Crimea was discussed during this call.

It has been 11 years since Russia unlawfully annexed Crimea. However, most countries, including Turkey, continue to recognize Crimea as part of Ukraine on the international stage. The Kremlin claims authority over the region, arguing that Crimea hosted Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and had a predominantly Russian-speaking population before the annexation. Despite a boycott by Crimean Tatars on March 16, 2014, a so-called referendum was held to integrate Crimea into Russia, with the majority voting in favor. On March 21, 2014, Putin signed a law in a ceremony at the Kremlin Palace, officially annexing Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia, creating new federal territories. This act marked the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia.