Joanna Kakissis

Russia seized Crimea 11 years ago and then armed and assisted Kremlin-allied separatists in occupying parts of eastern Ukraine. Ukraine cannot legally recognize a Russian takeover without changing its constitution, which requires a referendum. Zelensky has said repeatedly that he will not recognize an occupied territory as part of Russia.

Artem Chigos, a member of Ukraine's parliament, is a Crimean Tatar, the indigenous people of Crimea. He told NPR that Russians persecute Crimean Tatars. President Trump and his team cannot ignore international law, he said. He cannot ignore the indigenous Crimean people.

Artem Chigos, a member of Ukraine's parliament, is a Crimean Tatar, the indigenous people of Crimea. He told NPR that Russians persecute Crimean Tatars. President Trump and his team cannot ignore international law, he said. He cannot ignore the indigenous Crimean people.

Well, A, there is a lot of anger and grief here, as to be expected. We spoke with 40-year-old Maria Rumyantseva, who scrambled to evacuate her elderly mother before a Russian missile destroyed their home. She said Russian attacks on Ukraine seem to have escalated after Trump started accommodating Russia in peace talks. And she had this question for President Trump.

Well, A, there is a lot of anger and grief here, as to be expected. We spoke with 40-year-old Maria Rumyantseva, who scrambled to evacuate her elderly mother before a Russian missile destroyed their home. She said Russian attacks on Ukraine seem to have escalated after Trump started accommodating Russia in peace talks. And she had this question for President Trump.

Well, A, there is a lot of anger and grief here, as to be expected. We spoke with 40-year-old Maria Rumyantseva, who scrambled to evacuate her elderly mother before a Russian missile destroyed their home. She said Russian attacks on Ukraine seem to have escalated after Trump started accommodating Russia in peace talks. And she had this question for President Trump.

We also spoke to Olena Kurkovska, who ran out of her home in her bathrobe just before the walls caved in. She believes Trump is sacrificing Ukraine for a quick deal.

We also spoke to Olena Kurkovska, who ran out of her home in her bathrobe just before the walls caved in. She believes Trump is sacrificing Ukraine for a quick deal.

We also spoke to Olena Kurkovska, who ran out of her home in her bathrobe just before the walls caved in. She believes Trump is sacrificing Ukraine for a quick deal.

Now, most Ukrainians refuse to recognize Ukrainian land occupied by Russia as part of Russia, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to accept demands by the Trump administration to do so.

Now, most Ukrainians refuse to recognize Ukrainian land occupied by Russia as part of Russia, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to accept demands by the Trump administration to do so.

Now, most Ukrainians refuse to recognize Ukrainian land occupied by Russia as part of Russia, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to accept demands by the Trump administration to do so.

Well, no, I mean, Trump did chide Putin on social media for the attack, but he also said that Russia is already making a big concession by not occupying all of Ukraine. And statements like this obviously make Ukrainians very nervous, especially coming from the leader of the U.S., which was once Ukraine's strongest single ally. Now, Zelensky says his country wants peace.

Well, no, I mean, Trump did chide Putin on social media for the attack, but he also said that Russia is already making a big concession by not occupying all of Ukraine. And statements like this obviously make Ukrainians very nervous, especially coming from the leader of the U.S., which was once Ukraine's strongest single ally. Now, Zelensky says his country wants peace.

Well, no, I mean, Trump did chide Putin on social media for the attack, but he also said that Russia is already making a big concession by not occupying all of Ukraine. And statements like this obviously make Ukrainians very nervous, especially coming from the leader of the U.S., which was once Ukraine's strongest single ally. Now, Zelensky says his country wants peace.

He has agreed to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S. last month, something Russia did not agree to. And Zelensky's team is finalizing a minerals deal that could make the U.S. a lot of money. So in return, Ukraine wants the U.S. to provide security guarantees so Russia does not invade their country again. But the Trump administration so far is only offering vague promises.

He has agreed to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S. last month, something Russia did not agree to. And Zelensky's team is finalizing a minerals deal that could make the U.S. a lot of money. So in return, Ukraine wants the U.S. to provide security guarantees so Russia does not invade their country again. But the Trump administration so far is only offering vague promises.

He has agreed to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S. last month, something Russia did not agree to. And Zelensky's team is finalizing a minerals deal that could make the U.S. a lot of money. So in return, Ukraine wants the U.S. to provide security guarantees so Russia does not invade their country again. But the Trump administration so far is only offering vague promises.

Well, I'm still hearing some hope in the northeastern city of Sumy recently. I spoke to Commander Oleg Shiryayev. He is with the 225th Separate Assault Brigade. And here's what he had to say.

Well, I'm still hearing some hope in the northeastern city of Sumy recently. I spoke to Commander Oleg Shiryayev. He is with the 225th Separate Assault Brigade. And here's what he had to say.