Washington: US President Donald Trump emphasized that Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim Crimea and its aspirations to join NATO are unfeasible, stating that “both are impossible” due to Russia’s firm stance against having an adversary at its border.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Trump remarked on the situation by comparing Crimea’s annexation to taking candy from a child, highlighting that Russia managed to regain control without military conflict. He criticized former President Barack Obama for what he described as handing Crimea over to Russia. Trump further addressed NATO’s long-standing discussions about Ukraine joining the alliance, which he affirmed have been consistently rejected, reiterating that Ukraine will not become a NATO member.

Trump continued by acknowledging the support provided to Ukraine in terms of weaponry and financial aid, but he pointed out the power imbalance, noting that Ukraine is up against a stronger nation. He also mentioned that European leaders present at a White House meeting understood the necessity for Ukraine to consider territorial concessions as a resolution to the ongoing conflict.