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Trump envoy lists ‘largest issue’ in Ukraine war
(MENAFN) The fate of former Ukrainian territories that have joined Russia remains the central issue in resolving the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, according to Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East. In an interview with Tucker Carlson released on Friday, Witkoff called the matter “an elephant in the room” that few are willing to address.
“They’re Russian-speaking. There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under [the] Russian rule,” Witkoff stated, adding that Russia already exercises full control over these regions.
In autumn 2022, Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, along with the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (Donbass), officially joined Russia following referendums. However, Kiev has never recognized these votes, maintaining its claim over the territories, including Crimea, which became part of Russia in 2014. Ukrainian forces still control parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions.
According to Witkoff, the biggest question now is whether the international community will recognize these regions as Russian and whether Kiev will agree to relinquish its claims. He noted that Ukraine faces constitutional challenges in ceding territory and that the decision could threaten President Vladimir Zelensky’s political career.
“Can Zelensky survive politically if he acknowledges this? This is the central issue in the conflict,” Witkoff explained.
Despite these challenges, Witkoff described US negotiations with both Moscow and Kiev as “very, very positive”. His remarks came just after his face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war. Following their discussion, Witkoff suggested that a complete ceasefire could be reached within “a couple of weeks.”
“They’re Russian-speaking. There have been referendums where the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under [the] Russian rule,” Witkoff stated, adding that Russia already exercises full control over these regions.
In autumn 2022, Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, along with the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (Donbass), officially joined Russia following referendums. However, Kiev has never recognized these votes, maintaining its claim over the territories, including Crimea, which became part of Russia in 2014. Ukrainian forces still control parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions.
According to Witkoff, the biggest question now is whether the international community will recognize these regions as Russian and whether Kiev will agree to relinquish its claims. He noted that Ukraine faces constitutional challenges in ceding territory and that the decision could threaten President Vladimir Zelensky’s political career.
“Can Zelensky survive politically if he acknowledges this? This is the central issue in the conflict,” Witkoff explained.
Despite these challenges, Witkoff described US negotiations with both Moscow and Kiev as “very, very positive”. His remarks came just after his face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war. Following their discussion, Witkoff suggested that a complete ceasefire could be reached within “a couple of weeks.”
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