Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy for negotiations, has publicly undermined UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s vision for an international military force aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine, describing it as merely "a posture and a pose." Speaking with Tucker Carlson, Witkoff asserted that such ideas stem from an outdated worldview reminiscent of Winston Churchill's era, suggesting that Western leaders are oversimplifying a complex conflict.
Trump's Envoy Critiques Starmer's Ukraine Ceasefire Plan
Trump's Envoy Critiques Starmer's Ukraine Ceasefire Plan
In a recent interview, a Trump envoy labeled Keir Starmer's proposals for an international ceasefire force in Ukraine as insufficient and simplistic.
During his commentary, Witkoff expressed a controversial admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming he found Putin to be "super smart" and "gracious" following a meeting with him recently. He acknowledged that the Kremlin had even commissioned a portrait of Trump for the former president. Witkoff adopted several Russian narratives, questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine as a nation and insisting on recognizing the occupied territories as part of Russia. However, he faltered when asked to name the five oblasts currently under Russian control.
The envoy's remarks came amidst ongoing violence in Ukraine, where Russian drone strikes recently resulted in casualties, including those of a child. As peace negotiations are set to take place in Saudi Arabia, the situation remains precarious. Witkoff's comments drew attention for repeating several unverified claims, positioning the narrative surrounding the conflict firmly in line with Russian interests, while also downplaying the need for a robust international response to Russian aggression.
Confirming his skepticism towards Starmer's plans, Witkoff argued that the fears of Russian expansion into Europe are exaggerated, citing the presence of NATO. Meanwhile, he expressed optimism for a potential ceasefire in the Black Sea, signaling an impending resolution to the conflict, albeit within the framework that aligns closely with Moscow's viewpoint. The statements have ignited further debate about the role of Western leadership in addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
The envoy's remarks came amidst ongoing violence in Ukraine, where Russian drone strikes recently resulted in casualties, including those of a child. As peace negotiations are set to take place in Saudi Arabia, the situation remains precarious. Witkoff's comments drew attention for repeating several unverified claims, positioning the narrative surrounding the conflict firmly in line with Russian interests, while also downplaying the need for a robust international response to Russian aggression.
Confirming his skepticism towards Starmer's plans, Witkoff argued that the fears of Russian expansion into Europe are exaggerated, citing the presence of NATO. Meanwhile, he expressed optimism for a potential ceasefire in the Black Sea, signaling an impending resolution to the conflict, albeit within the framework that aligns closely with Moscow's viewpoint. The statements have ignited further debate about the role of Western leadership in addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
