Zelensky's remarks highlight growing tensions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the U.S. and Russia.
Zelensky Critiques US Envoy Witkoff for Promoting 'Russian Narratives'
Zelensky Critiques US Envoy Witkoff for Promoting 'Russian Narratives'
Ukrainian President expresses concern over statements made regarding peace negotiations.
In a recent press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff of echoing "Russian narratives," after Witkoff’s comments suggested that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine could depend on the status of five Ukrainian regions. Following a five-hour discussion with President Vladimir Putin, Witkoff indicated to Fox News that the resolution of the conflict was tied to "these so-called five territories."
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Zelensky asserted, "I think Mr. Witkoff has adopted the Russian side's strategy. This perspective is perilous, as he is disseminating Russian narratives, either consciously or not." Witkoff’s references include the eastern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, currently under Russian control since the 2022 invasion, along with Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Zelensky emphasized, "These territories are ours and belong not only to us but also to future Ukrainian generations," expressing confusion over Witkoff's stance. During his Fox News interview, Witkoff noted that the peace deal involves not just territorial issues but also presents "compelling commercial opportunities" that could stabilize the region, hinting at constructive U.S.-Russia relations.
This incident is not the first instance of Zelensky's critique towards Witkoff; earlier in March, he remarked, "He doesn’t exude the air of a military strategist or general. As I understand, he is quite skilled in real estate, which is quite different from military experience."
Zelensky’s comments coincided with a high-level meeting among U.S., Ukrainian, and European diplomats in Paris that included Witkoff and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In related news, Donald Trump revisited his criticisms of Zelensky, clarifying that he does not hold him solely responsible for the war's outbreak but expressed disappointment in Ukraine's handling of the situation.
Additionally, Zelensky disclosed new intelligence indicating that China has been supplying weapons to Russia, indicating a potential escalation in diplomatic tensions as the war continues. "We have received confirmed information that China is engaged in weapon production for the Russian Federation," he stated, while China's previous declarations have sought to position the country as a neutral observer in the unfolding conflict.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Zelensky asserted, "I think Mr. Witkoff has adopted the Russian side's strategy. This perspective is perilous, as he is disseminating Russian narratives, either consciously or not." Witkoff’s references include the eastern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, currently under Russian control since the 2022 invasion, along with Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Zelensky emphasized, "These territories are ours and belong not only to us but also to future Ukrainian generations," expressing confusion over Witkoff's stance. During his Fox News interview, Witkoff noted that the peace deal involves not just territorial issues but also presents "compelling commercial opportunities" that could stabilize the region, hinting at constructive U.S.-Russia relations.
This incident is not the first instance of Zelensky's critique towards Witkoff; earlier in March, he remarked, "He doesn’t exude the air of a military strategist or general. As I understand, he is quite skilled in real estate, which is quite different from military experience."
Zelensky’s comments coincided with a high-level meeting among U.S., Ukrainian, and European diplomats in Paris that included Witkoff and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In related news, Donald Trump revisited his criticisms of Zelensky, clarifying that he does not hold him solely responsible for the war's outbreak but expressed disappointment in Ukraine's handling of the situation.
Additionally, Zelensky disclosed new intelligence indicating that China has been supplying weapons to Russia, indicating a potential escalation in diplomatic tensions as the war continues. "We have received confirmed information that China is engaged in weapon production for the Russian Federation," he stated, while China's previous declarations have sought to position the country as a neutral observer in the unfolding conflict.
