Ukraine MP slams Witkoff's remarks on Russian-led "referendums"

US Special Representative Steve Witkoff has echoed Russian propaganda when speaking about "free elections" in the "referendums" organized by the Kremlin in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories (TOT), according to Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Merezhko.

"Let’s call things by their proper names! These are disgraceful, shocking statements. I don’t understand what this is about—ignorance, naivety, or unprofessionalism? After all, this is a representative of the president who should professionally understand this issue and know some basic things, obvious things. And he doesn’t. He is echoing Russian propaganda. And my question is: who is he? Is he Trump’s envoy, or maybe he’s Putin’s envoy? I have no answer to this question," the MP said in an interview with Radio Free Europe.

In his opinion, Witkoff should be removed from his position as Special Representative after these comments.

"President Trump must disavow these statements because they contradict the policy of the United States primarily. The United States has always adhered to a clear, unambiguous policy regarding the non-recognition of Russia’s attempts to annex or occupy Ukrainian territory. And here comes a person who claims to be an envoy of the president and makes such shocking statements. Of course, we cannot dictate to our American friends who should represent them, but this person—he must be removed from this delegation, he should not be the president’s representative," Merezhko emphasized.

He expressed hope that President Trump does not think the same way as his representative, as it would be dangerous.

"I hope this is an exception and not the president’s view. But only Trump can answer this question: he can either confirm that he agrees with such terrible views or deny them," the politician concluded.

• On March 22, Steve Witkoff stated that Crimea and "the so-called four regions: Donbas, Luhansk, and two more" are the biggest obstacles to resolving the war started by Russia. "I think the biggest issue in this conflict is 'the four regions'—Crimea, Donbas, Luhansk, and two others (most likely referring to Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions), they are Russian-speaking, there were referendums where the overwhelming majority showed they want to be under Russia’s control. I believe this is the key issue in the conflict," he said.
• The European Commission noted that these "referendums" were held at gunpoint, meaning there was no legitimate expression of will.