EU comments on Witkoff's statement about Russian referendums in Ukrainian occupied territories
The European Commission has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and stressed that the so-called "referendums" conducted by Russia in the occupied territories of Ukraine were entirely falsified.
Speaking at a briefing in Brussels on 24 March, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper reiterated that the European Union stands firmly by Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling the Russian "referendums" a complete fabrication.
"Let me recall the European Council's conclusion from 21 March, where the Council is also reiterating its unwavering support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," Hipper stated in response to journalists' requests to comment on the recent controversial remarks by US president’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in an interview with Tucker Carlson.
"And the last point [of the EC’s conclusion – ed.] on these referendums, that were a total sham and [conducted] at gunpoint," she added.
"When it comes to the discussion on peace talks, our position is very clear, and I would like to reiterate two main points. One, the EU's position for peace is that it is for Ukraine to decide the actual conditions, and the second point that nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.
This shows also in view of Russia's continuous attacks, that Russia cannot be trusted. We have also seen the attacks over the weekend, including a strike on Kyiv, where three people have died, including a five-year-old child. So this shows that Russia still needs to demonstrate its genuine political will to end its illegal and unprovoked aggression.
Now when it comes to our support, our support is very strong, as we have shown through the different strands, the military, the financial, the humanitarian support, sanctions, the 16 sanction packages, the 17 sanction packages [in preparation – ed.], also the military support plan. We have to support Ukraine right now more than ever, and this is what we will be doing."
Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, in an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson effectively recognised the "referendums" conducted by Russia in the occupied Ukrainian territories in 2022.
In the same interview, Witkoff claimed that Ukraine's NATO membership was incompatible with a potential peace deal with Russia.
He also mentioned his visit to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, who presented him with a portrait of Trump.