Overview

• U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized that the status of Crimea and four Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions is the central obstacle to resolving the conflict.
• Witkoff cited Kremlin-organized referendums as evidence of local support for annexation, despite widespread international condemnation of the votes as illegitimate.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine will not recognize the occupied territories as Russian, maintaining a firm stance against territorial concessions.
• Witkoff suggested Ukraine might receive security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5 without full NATO membership, as NATO accession is off the table during peace talks.
• Critics questioned Witkoff's expertise and neutrality, citing his praise for Vladimir Putin and perceived alignment with Russian narratives in the negotiations.