Witkoff: The status of the occupied territories is the primary issue in resolving the war in Ukraine.

The US President’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steven Witkoff, referred to Ukraine’s occupied territories as Russian-speaking regions and proposed conducting a so-called referendum.

“I believe the most significant problem in this conflict involves several regions: Donbas, Crimea, Luhansk, and two others. These areas are Russian-speaking, and referendums were held there in which most people expressed a desire to be under Russian control. I view this as a crucial issue in the conflict,” he stated.

According to Witkoff, the territories are de facto under Russian control, and the question is whether the world will recognize them as Russian.

“These are constitutional issues within Ukraine regarding what they can concede when it comes to relinquishing territories. Will Zelenskyy be able to maintain his political standing if he acknowledges this?”, the US special envoy questioned.

He also mentioned that Ukrainian leadership has agreed to hold presidential elections, without providing further details. Additionally, the official noted that due to the positions held by Russia and the US, Ukraine cannot currently join NATO; however, the possibility of offering it security guarantees under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty is still being considered.