"Crimea is Lost for Ukraine": Russian Officials Comment on Trump Advisor's Words

Donald Trump's advisor Brian Lanza's remarks that Ukraine will not be able to reclaim Crimea are consistent with current views. Dmitry Belik, a member of the State Duma, commented on the statement made by the representative of the newly elected U.S. president's team.

"The advisor has stated what all Western political figures are thinking, or rather, are convinced of. Crimea is lost for Ukraine. His position is consistent," declared the parliamentarian. He added that pressure can be expected from Trump, as the American leader, on Kyiv regarding territorial claims.

The Duma has urged Donald Trump to recognize Crimea's status as Russian. Earlier, assessments in the United States considered Trump's potential to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table. According to columnists from The Wall Street Journal, the newly elected American leader has opportunities to implement an ambitious agenda against the backdrop of a Kyiv that is losing ground.