According to “WSJ” in the text-leader after five Ukrainian circuits occupied by Russia (Doniecki, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporoski and Crimea), they are to be in the center of peace negotiations.
Witkoff, who grew up to the leading form of negotiations, said “WSJ” that “Putin is fixed on the point of Ukrainian land” in their discussions. He added that Russia “maybe get some of the regionsbut not all. “
He suggested that Ukraine may depend less on the circumferencesin which Russian predominates.
War in Ukraine. The US diplomat suggests that Kyiv will give up some of the occupied circuits
– When you start looking at these five regions, Russia you care about, and by the way, Ukraine, you also care about them; If Some of them are more Russian -speakingDo you care less about them? – said Witkoff, quoted by the journal.
“WSJ” notes that as a result of the Russian assault use of Russian fell throughout the country, while Ukraine and President Wołodymyr Zelnski – For which Russian was the first language – they strongly deny that they can ever recognize the Russian annexation of the circuit.
The journal reminds that Wiktoff for the first time raised the issue of the future of the regions After talks with Putin in March, in an interview with the pro -Russian journalist Tucker Carlson.
He said falsely at the time that Russia controls all of them (in fact, it is completely occupied by Crimea and the Lugansk region), confused their number and names. He also suggested that Russian claims are justified, indicating fictitious referendums organized by the occupation authorities.
Steve Witkoff reproduces Russian narratives. “This is a problem”
The President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelnski pointed out to the reproduction of pro -Russian narratives by Witkoff, who stated that this was not “helpful”.
According to CNN, which refers to representatives of the Trump administration, Witkoff reproduces Russian narratives Also at meetings behind closed doors in the White House, which “certainly causes some discomfort in the room”.
– Witkoff seems very susceptible to Some Russian narratives And this is a real problem – CNN said one of the officials.