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State Department says Russia-Ukraine talks continuing; declines to negotiate Crimea at briefing
Summary
A State Department spokesperson said negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are ongoing, that any settlement would require concessions from both sides, and declined to adopt an on‑the‑record U.S. position on Crimea during a press briefing.
A State Department spokesperson said Friday that negotiations aimed at ending the Russia‑Ukraine war remain active but are not being negotiated at the department’s press briefing table, and reiterated that any settlement would require concessions from both parties.
The spokesperson said, “we can't negotiate this, certainly not going to be negotiated in this room,” and stressed that “it’s going to take the two parties to make that decision.” The remarks followed questions about comments attributed to other U.S. officials and President Donald J. Trump’s statements on Crimea.
Asked whether the administration’s framework would allow Russia to retain sovereignty over Crimea, the spokesperson declined to parse statements made by other officials and reiterated that negotiations are ongoing. The briefing included a reading of a social‑media post attributed to President Donald J. Trump that said, in part, “Ukrainian president Zelenskyy is boasting on the front page of the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There's nothing to talk about here, end quote.” The spokesperson said the president’s comment had complicated diplomatic discussions.
The spokesperson repeatedly framed the U.S. objective as ending the “terrible war,” saying there is “no military solution to this war” and that both sides would need to make concessions for a durable settlement. The remarks also reiterated that U.S. negotiators had resumed more regular contacts with Russian counterparts after several years of limited engagement.
Reporters pressed for detail on whether U.S. proposals give more to one side than the other; the spokesperson said the administration is focused on stopping the killing and achieving peace and declined to disclose negotiating details, including any specifics about concessions or draft terms. The briefing noted that U.S. envoys and other international interlocutors have been participating in talks and shuttle diplomacy but did not list specific proposals on the record.
The State Department comments followed reporting and public remarks from multiple U.S. and foreign officials; the spokesperson said the administration’s position will depend on progress at the negotiating table and emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with Russia and Ukraine.
