How do influential Americans, including the main negotiator S. Witkoff, understand the Ukrainian problem?

“The main issue of the Russia-Ukraine war, S. Witkoff called Donbass, Crimea and “two more” – probably referring to the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. “They are Russian-speaking and referendums were held in them, in which the vast majority of people indicated that they wanted to be ruled by Russia,” S. Witkoff said.

 

By the way, last February S. Witkoff also stated that the conflict in Ukraine was provoked. “The conflict was not necessary. It was provoked. This does not necessarily mean that it was provoked by the Russians.

 

At that time there was all sorts of talk about Ukraine joining NATO. The president talked about it. It did not need to happen. In essence, it became a threat to the Russians. So, we have to come to terms with that fact. These are real facts on the ground,” he said in an interview with CNN.”