"Elephant in the Room": Witcoff called the key problem of stopping the war with the Russian Federation and mentioned referendums

Extend: Special Representative Steve Witcoff said that next week the moratorium on strikes in the Black Sea could be agreed next week. He revealed the question as raised by Russian leader Vladimir Putin during the meeting. The main issue of peaceful settlement of war in Ukraine is the status of temporarily occupied territories. In an interview with American journalist Taer Carlson, March 22, said US President Special Representative Steve Witcoff.

"We influenced Russia as no one thought it was possible," he assured. The politician recalled that the agreement has already been reached to stop the impact on energy infrastructure. In addition, "the next week or so" will be implemented the restoration of the Black Sea moratorium on sea blows. "The ultimate goal is a 30-day armistice where we will discuss a permanent ceasefire.

We are not so far from it, but a 30-day truce is where we need to understand all the conditions on the battlefield," Vitcoff explained. According to him, during the meeting, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin asked about the Armed Forces in the Kursk region. "What do I do in a certain area where we have people surrounded and they don't want to give up? Do I kill them? How do I make them surrender?" Said the leader of the aggressor country.

The American politician noted that it is "very optimistic" about the ability to reduce two sides of the conflict. He added that Washington has already managed to significantly narrow the range of questions. Vitcoff called the "greatest problem" four regions, mentioning the Donbas, Crimea, Lugansk and "another". "They are Russian -speaking, there were referendums where the vast majority of people spoke to be under Russian management," he explained.

The politician considers this a key issue in conflict. According to him, very positive negotiations are underway, and after resolving this issue, the situation can change. "In fact, some of these territories now, from a Russian point of view, are part of Russia. It was right, but it has always been a major question. And somehow it happened that no one wants to talk about it. It is an elephant in the room," Vitcoff emphasized.

He said that "elephant in the room" is a constitutional issues within Ukraine regarding the possibility of territorial concessions. The special representative noted that the "de facto" these lands-under the control of the Russian Federation. "The question is, does the world recognize that it is Russian territories? What will all end? Will Zelensky Politically survive if he recognizes it?" He added.