In a bid to ease confusion stirred by President Trump, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo on Wednesday declared a firm rejection of Russia’s claims on Ukraine and Crimea, and demanded respect for their “territorial integrity.”
Pompeo, ahead of what promised to be tough scrutiny during testimony to a Senate panel, issued a “Crimea Declaration” designed to put to rest ambiguity over the issue caused by some of Trump’s recent statements and his much-criticized, friendly meeting last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In their public appearance after the Helsinki meeting, Trump refused to condemn Putin’s 2014 attack on Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
But Pompeo on Wednesday said the United States was adamant in “its refusal to recognize the Kremlin’s claims of sovereignty” over land seized illegally.
He called on Russia “to end its occupation of Crimea” and respect Ukraine’s borders.
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04.28.2025