U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited debate over Crimea’s future by declaring that the region “will stay with Russia,” framing it as an inevitable condition of any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. The comments, made during an interview with TIME magazine published Friday, have drawn sharp reactions amid ongoing fighting and failed ceasefire efforts. “Crimea will stay with Russia,” Trump said, emphasizing the region’s long-standing strategic importance and Russian-speaking population. “Zelenskyy understands that,” he added, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Everyone understands it’s been with them for a long time. They’ve had submarines there for many years — long before recent conflicts. This was handed over under Obama, not under Trump.” Trump’s remarks refer to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, an act widely condemned by the international community and not recognized by Ukraine or its allies. The annexation, which occurred during President Barack Obama’s administration, marked a major