Zelensky lashes out at Trump's aide and accuses him of 'spreading Russian narratives'

Zelensky Accuses Trump Envoy of Promoting “Russian Narratives” on Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has escalated his verbal conflict with Donald Trump, accusing the former US President’s special envoy of “propagating Russian narratives” regarding the war in Ukraine. Zelensky’s accusation coincided with a meeting of European leaders and representatives from Donald Trump’s administration in Paris, convened to further peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

US Delegation in Paris for Diplomatic Discussions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff journeyed to Paris for discussions following weeks of American diplomatic efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in the war-torn nation.

Zelensky’s Criticism of Witkoff

President Zelensky asserted: “It is my belief that Mr. Witkoff has adopted the stance of the Russian Federation. I consider this exceedingly perilous because he is, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I cannot ascertain, disseminating Russian narratives.”

This is not the first instance of Mr. Zelensky charging Mr. Witkoff with echoing Russian propaganda. Earlier in the week, Zelensky rebuffed comments from Mr. Witkoff suggesting that a prospective peace agreement hinged on “five territories.”

Ukraine’s Stance on Territorial Integrity

“Ukraine is a sovereign nation, and only the Ukrainian populace has the right to determine its territorial matters,” Zelensky declared.

On Thursday, Mr. Zelensky affirmed Ukraine’s unwillingness to contemplate discussions of territorial concessions until a comprehensive cessation of hostilities is implemented.

UK’s Diplomatic Engagement

David Lammy, representing the UK government, also participated in Paris talks, meeting with Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, along with Ukraine’s foreign minister and defense minister.

The Foreign Secretary’s visit to Paris is part of the United Kingdom’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives concerning the conflict.

The UK, in collaboration with France, has been actively building a coalition of nations prepared to contribute to the enforcement of a peace agreement, should one be achieved.

Pathways to Peace and Security Architecture

Ukrainian presidential advisor Andrii Yermak stated that the Ukrainian delegation engaged in discussions with European partners regarding subsequent actions toward realizing a “just and enduring peace,” encompassing a complete ceasefire, the deployment of a multinational peacekeeping force, and the development of a robust security framework for Ukraine.

US Focus on Ending the Conflict

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce indicated that US delegates engaged in meetings with President Macron for “discussions with European counterparts to further President Trump’s objective of ending the Russia-Ukraine war and halting the violence.”