Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff Critiques Starmer’s Ukraine Proposal as Merely ‘Posture and Pose’ | World News
Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy, has rejected Sir Keir Starmer’s proposals regarding Ukraine.
The Prime Minister has indicated that a “coalition of the willing“, composed of various European and NATO nations, could potentially deploy troops in Ukraine following a ceasefire.
Mr. Witkoff, who is currently spearheading U.S. negotiations for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, dismissed Sir Keir’s initiative as merely a “combination of posture and pose” during an interview with pro-Trump journalist Tucker Carlson.
He also criticized the Prime Minister for adopting a “simplistic” view that leaders “must all be like Winston Churchill”.
“The Russians are going to march across Europe? I find that absurd. We have something called NATO, which didn’t exist during World War Two,” he stated.
Witkoff recently met with the Russian President in Moscow and mentioned to Carlson that he “liked” Vladimir Putin.
“I don’t see Putin as a bad guy,” he remarked. “I thought he was straightforward with me.”
Pro-Trump journalist interviewed Trump’s special envoy. Pic: YouTube/ The Tucker Carlson Show.
Steve Witkoff told Tucker Carlson he ‘liked’ Putin. Pic: YouTube/ The Tucker Carlson Show.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves supported the Prime Minister in her discussion with Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC, after being shown the Carlson interview clip.
She stated: “We can see the outcomes of our Prime Minister’s diplomatic efforts, uniting European leaders and indeed leaders from other nations around the globe.
“Additionally, he remains in ongoing discussions with President Trump as well as Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who we recently welcomed to London.”
The Chancellor also expressed that she was not deterred by Mr. Witkoff’s remarks.
She emphasized: “It is crucial to ensure that any ceasefire can be effectively enforced, and that is precisely what our Prime Minister, alongside allies worldwide, is striving to achieve.”
Sir Ed Davey, while addressing a gathering in Harrogate on Sunday, was more forthright in his critique of Mr. Witkoff’s comments.
The Liberal Democrat leader remarked: “While Trump’s so-called ‘special’ envoy may view British leadership as mere posturing, we understand its genuine significance.
“Britain is once again taking the lead in Europe, just as we have during the critical moments in our nation’s history.”
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Ceasefire discussions between Russia and Ukraine are set to commence on Monday in Saudi Arabia, with both countries anticipated to engage in indirect talks facilitated by the U.S.
The expectation is that both parties will come to an agreement to halt long-range assaults on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.
On Sunday, Mr. Witkoff conveyed optimism regarding the upcoming high-stakes discussions, asserting that he believed Mr. Putin is inclined to conclude the conflict.
“I sense that he desires peace,” he told Fox News Sunday.
“I think we will witness significant progress in Saudi Arabia on Monday, particularly concerning a Black Sea ceasefire regarding ships between both nations. Subsequently, this could naturally lead to a comprehensive ceasefire,” Mr. Witkoff added.
