Moscow has said it will not entertain negotiations over its territory in talks with the US and Ukraine. For Putin and his government, Crimea is Russian. It is an important strategic hub, hosting both naval and submarine bases crucial for the country’s presence in the Black Sea.

President Trump has said Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prepared to give up Ukraine's claim to Crimea as part of a ceasefire deal to end his country's war with Russia.

US president Donald Trump has said he believes Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to give up Crimea in order to strike a peace deal with Russia. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.