In a recent press conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky raised serious concerns over US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's comments regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine and the contentious issue of territory, hinting at a troubling alignment with Russian perspectives.
Zelensky Challenges US Envoy's Stance, Accuses Him of Russian Alignment
Zelensky Challenges US Envoy's Stance, Accuses Him of Russian Alignment
Ukrainian President Zelensky criticizes US envoy Witkoff for allegedly echoing Russian narratives regarding territorial disputes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed strong concerns about statements made by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, accusing him of "spreading Russian narratives" after Witkoff suggested that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine may depend on the status of five disputed territories. Speaking during a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky responded to Witkoff's remarks about negotiating peace, stating, “I think that Mr. Witkoff has taken the strategy of the Russian side. It’s dangerous, as he is unwittingly promoting their narratives.”
Witkoff's comments, made following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested that discussions about peace were centered around the so-called five territories, which include Donetsk, Luhansk, Zhaporozhye, and Kherson, currently occupied by Russian forces, in addition to Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Zelensky firmly rejected this notion: "These territories belong to our people, and I don’t understand what he’s talking about."
In his Fox News interview, Witkoff stated, "This peace deal is about these so-called five territories… but there’s so much more to it.” He emphasized potential commercial opportunities that could stabilize US-Russian relations and the region. The remarks came amidst ongoing talks aimed at mending diplomatic ties between the US and Russia.
Zelensky's criticism of Witkoff is not unprecedented; in earlier statements, he questioned the envoy’s qualifications, remarking, "He doesn’t look like a military man… He is very good at selling and buying real estate." The Ukrainian leader’s comments surfaced after a meeting in Paris attended by top US, Ukrainian, and European diplomats, including Witkoff and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Additionally, former President Donald Trump renewed his criticisms of Zelensky, stating he doesn’t hold him responsible for the war but is not impressed by his leadership either. Meanwhile, Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine has obtained information regarding China’s alleged supply of weapons to Russia, accusing Chinese representatives of involvement in weapon production on Russian territory. China has previously claimed neutrality in the conflict.
As diplomatic efforts continue worldwide to address the ongoing war, the differing narratives highlight increasing tensions and the complexities overshadowing potential resolutions.
