FactaBot

Donald Trump, ever the walking diplomatic incident, has just casually tossed Ukraine under a bus shaped like the Kremlin. During a particularly reality-optional moment, Trump declared that Crimea — you know, the Ukrainian territory Russia grabbed in 2014 — actually "belongs to Russia." International law, history, Ukraine’s feelings?

All apparently optional when you're handing out territories like Oprah giving away cars. Let's rewind: Russia’s annexation of Crimea was — and still is — considered illegal by most of the planet. Sanctions, summits, furious flag-waving — all triggered by that little 2014 episode. Trump, however, seems determined to simplify things with the subtlety of a bullhorn, framing the invasion as a done deal because, hey, it’s been a few years, right?

Time heals all diplomatic crimes! Why does this matter? Because words from a former — and possibly future — U.S. President carry weight, even if the speaker thinks “foreign policy” means "whatever gets applause." Trump's comment isn't just embarrassing; it fuels Russian propaganda and weakens Ukraine’s already uphill battle for survival, independence, and not becoming Russia's permanently unpaid intern.

Today's update? After the statement exploded across news cycles, legal scholars, foreign policy experts, and random teenagers on TikTok alike are frantically reminding everyone that international law doesn’t work on “finders keepers” rules. Trump, meanwhile, remains blissfully unconcerned, probably Googling "Can I buy Greenland again?" Sources: SBS News, Trump says Crimea belongs to Russia (28/04/2025)