Russia’s illegal seizure of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in March 2014 was quick and bloodless, and it sent Moscow’s relations with the West into a downward spiral unseen since the Cold War.

President Trump has outlined specific parameters for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to pursue peace with Russia, including giving up Crimea and not pursuing NATO membership, ahead of a high-stakes meeting at the White House.

Trump: “President Zelensky can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight."

President Donald Trump said Ukraine won't get back Crimea during negotiations with Russia to end the war, but what is Crimea and why is it so important?

Ukraine and Russia have exchanged accusations while also expressing a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire. Meanwhile, any talks of concessions regarding Crimea remain a non-starter for both.

Russian state media footage shows the M113 armored personnel carrier driving into combat in the Zaporizhzhia region.

In occupied Crimea and Russia’s Zabaykalsky Krai, the sale of A-95 petrol has been restricted to businesses and organisations who have special fuel cards. Source: independent Amsterdam-based news outlet The Moscow Times citing local media outlets Details: Residents of Crimea complain that petrol has disappeared from most filling stations,

Donald Trump has made it clear that Crimea is off the table in any peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, a declaration that strikes at the very heart of the decade-long conflict.