Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticized U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, accusing him of promoting Russian narratives amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and the prolonged war in Eastern Europe.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday, Zelensky condemned recent remarks made by Witkoff in a Fox News interview, in which the American diplomat discussed occupied Ukrainian territories and peace prospects involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian leader warned that such comments risk undermining international unity and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“I believe it is very dangerous because he is consciously or unconsciously — I do not know — disseminating Russian narratives,” Zelensky said. “In any case, it does not help.”
Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
Zelensky’s comments came in direct response to Witkoff’s characterization of certain Ukrainian territories in his recent interview. Witkoff, who has been involved in unofficial diplomatic engagements between Washington and Moscow, described his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “compelling” and suggested that any peace deal would likely center around five key regions: Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
These territories, all located in eastern and southern Ukraine, are currently either occupied or annexed by Russia. Crimea was seized by Russia in 2014, while the remaining four regions have been partially or fully controlled by Russian forces since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Witkoff referred to these areas as the “so-called five territories,” a phrase that drew immediate backlash from Ukrainian officials and pro-democracy advocates who viewed it as lending legitimacy to Russia’s territorial claims.
Ukraine Stands Firm on Territorial Integrity
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s unwavering stance that its internationally recognized borders must be fully restored, including the complete liberation of all occupied regions. He emphasized that there can be no genuine peace negotiations if territorial concessions are even hinted at.
“We have said it clearly before and we say it again: Ukraine will never give up its land,” Zelensky declared. “There is no such thing as compromise when it comes to sovereignty and independence. These regions are Ukraine — not ‘so-called’ anything.”
The Ukrainian president expressed disappointment that Witkoff’s remarks could be construed as endorsing Russia’s position, particularly at a time when Kyiv continues to rely on Western support for military aid, diplomacy, and humanitarian relief.
Washington Yet to Respond Officially
As of Friday morning, the U.S. State Department had not issued an official response to Zelensky’s statements or clarified Witkoff’s position in relation to official American foreign policy. Witkoff, a real estate executive and political donor, has not been confirmed as an ambassador or official representative of the U.S. government, though he has been involved in backchannel diplomacy and public commentary on the war.
Some analysts have noted that Witkoff’s influence in official policymaking is limited, but his comments carry weight given the sensitivity of the ongoing conflict and the crucial role the U.S. plays as Ukraine’s largest foreign backer.
“If a U.S. envoy — official or unofficial — starts echoing Putin’s framing of the war, it’s extremely damaging,” said Natalia Ivanenko, a Kyiv-based geopolitical analyst. “It sends confusing signals not just to Ukraine, but to allies watching closely.”
The Larger Diplomatic Context
The dustup comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as it battles fatigue among Western donors, struggles with weapons shortages, and tries to maintain global attention amid the drawn-out conflict. Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself depends heavily on international unity and moral clarity from its allies.
This week’s controversy could also further complicate already delicate relationships between Kyiv and Washington, especially as debates in the U.S. Congress continue over additional funding packages for Ukraine.
Despite political divisions in Washington, the Biden administration has consistently supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemned Russia’s actions as illegal under international law. It remains unclear whether Witkoff’s remarks were coordinated with U.S. officials or made in a personal capacity.
Peace Talks and Propaganda Risks
Witkoff’s suggestion that future peace talks would center on Crimea and the occupied regions aligns with Russia’s long-standing narrative — one that Western governments have repeatedly rejected. The Kremlin has insisted it will not return those territories, while Ukraine and its allies assert that any territorial concession would reward aggression and violate the UN Charter.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of language and how statements like Witkoff’s risk playing into Russian propaganda.
“Words matter — especially from those seen as speaking on behalf of powerful countries,” Zelensky said. “When someone suggests giving up Ukrainian territory for peace, they are not helping peace. They are encouraging war.”
He warned that normalizing Russian occupation through such discourse emboldens Moscow and demoralizes Ukrainians resisting invasion.
Global Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
The reaction in Ukraine has been swift and critical, with multiple Ukrainian lawmakers calling for greater clarity from the U.S. and urging that unofficial envoys be reined in to prevent undermining diplomacy.
International observers say the incident underscores how fragile the global consensus on Ukraine remains and how quickly narratives can shift if not carefully managed.
“This is a reminder of how hybrid warfare works — not just on the battlefield, but in the information space,” said Dmytro Savchuk, a political science professor at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. “Ukraine’s allies must be vigilant not only with weapons but with words.”
As the war grinds into its third year, the Zelensky administration continues to call for a diplomatic solution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, but insists that any peace process must be founded on justice, not capitulation.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate diplomatic fallout from Witkoff’s comments remains unclear, the episode has heightened tensions at a time when Ukraine needs robust, unwavering support from its allies.
As jury selection continues in the court of international opinion, one thing remains clear: President Zelensky is not willing to tolerate mixed messaging when it comes to Ukraine’s future.
