Former President Donald Trump has publicly placed blame on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, arguing that Zelenskyy’s unwillingness to negotiate over Crimea is prolonging the war and preventing a peaceful resolution.

Trump, speaking at a campaign rally and later elaborating on social media, said that Crimea was “taken under Obama” and suggested that Ukraine missed its opportunity to regain the territory when Russia annexed it in 2014. “It’s time to face reality,” Trump stated. “Zelenskyy is not doing his people any favors by holding on to fantasies about taking back Crimea. Sometimes peace means compromise.”

These comments have sparked sharp criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers who view Trump’s remarks as dismissive of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Many argue that suggesting Ukraine should surrender Crimea to Russia undermines years of international condemnation against Moscow’s aggression.

The Ukrainian government responded strongly, reiterating that any peace process must be based on the restoration of its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea. “There will be no peace by giving up what is rightfully ours,” said a spokesperson for Zelenskyy.

As the conflict continues with no signs of resolution, Trump’s comments add fuel to an already politically charged debate over the U.S. role in supporting Ukraine and the terms under which peace should be negotiated.