Overview
- State Duma deputy Mikhail Sheremet from the Crimean region invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the peninsula and said he would receive a warm welcome.
- Sheremet argued a visit could become a new starting point for more trusting, mutually beneficial relations and help lay foundations for international security.
- Trump recently told Politico that Crimea is very beautiful, called it the heart, and said the peninsula has huge potential, according to Russian reports.
- Dmitry Belik, a Duma member from Sevastopol on the international affairs committee, called Trump's remarks recognition of Crimea's uniqueness and highlighted economic growth claims.
- Ukraine and most Western governments still reject Russia's 2014 annexation and regard Crimea as occupied, and there has been no indication the United States will accept the invitation.