EU responds to Witkoff's statement on Russia's "referendums" in occupied Ukrainian territories

European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper made this statement during a briefing on March 24 in Brussels, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent.

The EU spokeswoman emphasized that the European Union stands firmly behind Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling Russia’s "referendums" in the occupied territories a total fabrication.

Hipper referred to the European Council's conclusions from March 21, which reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. She also stated that the “referendums” were a complete fraud, conducted at gunpoint.

Regarding the discussion on peace talks, she stated that EU's position is clear, and emphasized two key points. First, Ukraine alone should determine the actual terms of peace. Second, nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, the EU spokeswoman reiterated.

Hipper emphasized that, given Russia’s ongoing attacks, it was clear that Moscow could not be trusted. She pointed to the strikes over the weekend, including the attack on Kyiv, which resulted in the deaths of three people, including a five-year-old child. She added that Russia must demonstrate real political will to end its illegal aggression.

She also stated that their support remained strong, as evidenced by their efforts on multiple fronts: military, financial, and humanitarian aid, sanctions — with 16 sanctions packages already implemented and the 17th in preparation — as well as a military support plan. She concluded by stating that now, more than ever, they must stand with Ukraine, and that was exactly what they would do.

• U.S. President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Crimea, Donbas, Luhansk, and likely Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions are the main obstacles to resolving Russia’s war against Ukraine. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Witkoff argued that these areas are key to the war, citing “referendums” where “most residents expressed a desire to be under Russian control.”