**US Envoy’s Ignorance on Ukraine Raises Concerns**
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, and its most powerful ally is struggling to understand even the basics. Steve Witkoff, a US special envoy, recently made statements that have left many wondering if he truly grasps the situation.
Witkoff stated that the partially occupied regions of Ukraine are “Russian-speaking” and that there were referendums where the majority of people voted to be under Russian rule. However, this is far from the truth.
**The Reality**
Many Ukrainians in eastern and southern areas speak Russian as their first language, but they are not ethnic Russians. They are Ukrainians who speak Russian due to historical factors. The number of Ukrainian speakers has been growing since Russia’s attack in 2014, and even more so since the full-scale invasion in 2022.
**Referendums**
The supposed “referendums” held in occupied regions were a farce, where Ukrainians had to vote at gunpoint. The Kremlin announced that 98% of the population voted to be part of Russia, but this was never recognized by the international community.
**Ignoring Reality**
Witkoff’s statements are not only embarrassing but also frightening for Ukrainians, who see everything as being at stake in this war and these negotiations. His ignorance raises questions about whether the US foreign policy can be rooted in such a lack of understanding.
**The Need for Clarity**
It is essential that those involved in shaping Ukraine’s fate understand its complexities. The US should not blindly follow Russian propaganda, but rather, seek to understand the reality on the ground.
**Ukraine Deserves Better**
Ukrainians deserve better than to be represented by individuals who do not grasp the situation. They need allies who truly understand their struggles and are committed to supporting them.
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