Newscast Can Trump Force Zelensky To Do A Deal?
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Apr 23, 2025 
James Landale, the BBC's diplomatic correspondent, joins Sumi Somaskanda, chief presenter in Washington, and Faisal Islam, economics editor, to unravel the intricacies of Trump’s influence on Ukraine’s peace negotiations. They discuss Zelensky's stance on Crimea and the fallout from US officials pulling out of peace talks in London. Islam shares insights from the IMF meetings, discussing economic implications of Trump's tariffs on global trade, especially with China and the UK, as geopolitical tensions mount in the backdrop of shifting diplomatic landscapes.
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US-Ukraine Conflict Complexity
- The US diplomacy sees Ukraine conflict partly as territorial but also deeply about sovereignty.
- Ukraine’s sovereignty concerns make land-for-peace offers, like Crimea recognition, politically and legally thorny for Kyiv.
Trump Blames Ukraine for Stalled Talks
- Donald Trump blames Ukraine for harming peace talks by refusing to recognize Crimea as Russian.
- Trump distanced himself by blaming previous Obama administration for Crimea's loss.
Crimea Concession Improbable Politically
- The West regrets allowing Russia to annex Crimea but Ukraine has paid heavy blood to regain access.
- Ukrainian leaders face immense political challenge in conceding Crimea even if legally possible.