US Envoy Highlights Territorial Disputes as Key to Ending Ukraine Conflict
In a recent interview with conservative media figure Tucker Carlson, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized that the status of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia is crucial for resolving the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv. He stated that negotiations concerning the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, Kherson, and Crimea will play a pivotal role in determining the conflict's outcome. Witkoff referred to these territories as 'the elephant in the room,' suggesting that their resolution is necessary for a productive dialogue.
During the discussion, Witkoff noted that in these largely Russian-speaking regions, referendums organized by Moscow indicated an overwhelming desire among residents to come under Russian governance. However, he raised concerns over global recognition of these territories as Russian, given Ukraine's steadfast rejection of Moscow's claims and the legitimacy of the referendums conducted after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Witkoff highlighted the constitutional complexities within Ukraine regarding territorial concessions, pondering whether President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could politically endure an acknowledgment of these changes.
The referendums held in September 2022 lacked international oversight, and reports of fraud and coercion marred their validity. Additionally, many residents, having fled the Russian occupation, did not participate in the voting process, raising further questions about their legitimacy. Although Moscow subsequently declared the territories as part of Russia, the United Nations continues to recognize Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, Kherson, and Crimea as Ukrainian territory.
Witkoff, who also serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, expressed optimism following recent high-level diplomatic engagements, including conversations involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Zelenskyy. He remains hopeful for a resolution that could unite the conflicting parties.
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