Zelensky accuses Witkoff of spreading pro-Russia talking points
3 Min Read
Zelensky's statements appeared to reference statements Witkoff made during a recent interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, where he said that some Ukrainian territories are "de-facto" under Russia's control.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a press conference after the so-called "Coalition of the willing" summit, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Paris. (AP)
The Ukrainian President fired back at Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, hurling accusations of Witkoff being pro-Russia during an interview on Thursday.
Zelensky made remarks in which he accused Witkoff, a key official involved in opening negotiations on resolving the Ukraine conflict, of aligning with Moscow and providing assistance to Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking on Wednesday in an interview with European broadcasters, including France 2.
“I believe that Witkoff really does quote Kremlin narratives very often. I believe that this will not bring us closer to peace. And I believe that, unfortunately, this will weaken the American pressure on Russia. We can only fix this information backdrop through our actions. We’re trying to do that,” Zelesnky said.
“Witkoff’s statements are very much a hindrance to us, because we are fighting Putin and we really do not want him to have many helpers,” the President of Ukraine added.
The statements Zelensky is referencing were made by Witkoff during an interview with Tucker Carlson, where the US envoy discussed the issue of former Ukrainian territories that have joined Russia.
“They’re Russian-speaking. There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule,” Witkoff said, adding that Russia effectively controls these territories in practice.
"The question is: Will the world acknowledge that those are Russian territories? Can Zelensky survive politically if he acknowledges this? This is the central issue in the conflict,” Witkoff continued.
This comes as the United States leads efforts towards securing a ceasefire deal that would see a cessation of fighting in the Black Sea between Russia and Ukraine.
US-Russia talks on Ukraine 'useful', to continue
Earlier today, a Russian negotiator stated that Russia would continue its "useful" discussions with the United States regarding the Ukraine conflict, with plans to involve the United Nations and other nations in future talks.
"We talked about everything, it was an intense dialogue, not easy, but very useful for us and the Americans," Grigory Karasin, told the state TASS news agency, noting that "lots of problems were discussed."
"Of course, we are far from solving everything, from being in agreement on all points, but it seems that this type of discussion is very timely," he pointed out.
"We will continue doing it, adding in the international community, above all the United Nations and certain countries," Karasin said.
He further added, "In general, the impression was of a constructive dialogue, which is needed and necessary. The Americans are also interested in this."
His remarks followed 12 hours of negotiations between US and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia.
