Witkoff explains controversial statement on Putin's referendums
Photo: US President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff (Getty Images)
US President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said in an interview with Fox News that there is a widespread belief in Russia that the territories captured in Ukraine are part of Russia. Moscow refers to the so-called "referendums" previously conducted by Russian President Vladimir Putin to justify this view. Witkoff emphasized that he is not taking sides in the matter.
"There's a view within — within the country of Russia that — that these are Russian territories, that there are referendums within these territories that justify these actions. This is not me taking sides," Witkoff emphasized.
He pointed out that it is essential to clearly define the essence of the issue, as, in his view, no conflict can be resolved without establishing the facts.
"And we're level-setting the facts," the special envoy added.
It is worth noting that the US Special Envoy gave an interview to controversial host Tucker Carlson. Witkoff discussed Ukraine, including issues of a ceasefire, NATO membership, and the "central issue" of the war.
When speaking about the occupied territories of Ukraine, Steve Witkoff stated that "the largest issue in that conflict are these so-called four regions." According to him, these include: "Donbas, Crimea, Luhansk, and two others."
"They are Russian-speaking. There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule. I think that's the key issue in the conflict. So, that's the first thing. When that gets settled, we'll have very, very positive conversations about it," Witkoff said.
For more details on the interview and other comments made by the US Special Envoy, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
