Ukrainians say they will not accept formal surrender of Crimea

Russian soldiers guard a pier where two Ukrainian naval vessels are moored in Sevastopol, on the Crimean peninsula (AP)

A peace proposal by the Trump administration that includes recognising Russian authority over Crimea shockedUkrainian officials, who say they will not accept any formal surrender of the peninsula – even though they expect to concede the territory to the Kremlin, at least temporarily.

Giving up the land that was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 is also politically and legally impossible, according to experts. It would require a change to the Ukrainian constitution and a nationwide vote, and it could be considered treason.