US President’s comments on Russia’s annexed territory raise eyebrows. Contrary to the 2014 stance that Crimea belongs to Ukraine, the Biden administration now appears willing to accept some Russian control.
The Washington Post described a potential peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv last month: a neutral, demilitarized Ukraine outside of NATO, with Russia keeping its already annexed territory. This stance contrasts with US policy since 2014, which has deemed Crimea as part of Ukraine under Russian occupation.
Fox News host Pete Hegseth, now leading the US military, expressed that a return to pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic.” The White House likely shifted this stance and abandoned Ukraine’s claim on the peninsula. This development suggests America’s acceptance of Russia’s territorial gains in Crimea, potentially under the current peace deal.
Source: https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/boilingfrogs/the-china-excuse