Zelensky Accuses Trump Envoy of Propagating Russian Views in Peace Negotiations

In a press conference, Zelensky directly challenges the US envoy's implications about Ukraine's territorial integrity, amid shifting diplomatic dynamics.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly criticized U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff for allegedly promoting "Russian narratives" following statements Witkoff made regarding a possible peace agreement with the Kremlin. During a recent interview, Witkoff discussed the significance of five specific Ukrainian territories as central to any peace negotiations, which included regions under Russian military control after the invasion launched by President Vladimir Putin in 2022.

"Mr. Witkoff's comments reflect a strategy resembling that of the Russian side," Zelensky asserted during a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, cautioning that this could pose significant risks since it may unconsciously support Russian perspectives on the conflict. He emphasized, "These territories are ours; they belong to our people, and I do not comprehend what he is implying," referring to the contested areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea, the latter of which Russia annexed in 2014—a move that has been rejected by the international community.

In Witkoff's Fox News interview, he indicated that while these territories were crucial, the implications of a peace deal extended beyond just this geographical focus, hinting at potential economic benefits and a redefined U.S.-Russia relationship that could foster stability in the region.

Zelensky's criticisms of Witkoff aren't new; earlier this year, he expressed doubts regarding Witkoff's qualifications, stating, "He doesn't look like a military man. He is better known for his real estate expertise, which is quite different from handling war negotiations."

These tensions come as Zelensky earlier criticized former President Donald Trump, who recently softened his language about Zelensky's role in the ongoing war. Trump stated, "I don't hold Zelensky responsible but I'm not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started," expressing a lukewarm stance towards the Ukrainian leader's handling of the issue.

Additionally, Zelensky has raised alarms regarding Chinese military support for Russia. He stated that Ukraine has credible information indicating that China is supplying weapons and potentially participating in arms production for Russia—claims that China has yet to respond to. Beijing previously described itself as a neutral party in the conflict.

The unfolding diplomatic discussions involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials, including Witkoff and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggest heightened international engagement as the complexities of the war and territorial disputes continue to impact global relations.