**US Envoy Proposes Giving Russia Control of Ukrainian Regions to Achieve Ceasefire**
In a shocking move, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has suggested to President Donald Trump that handing over control of four occupied Ukrainian regions to Moscow would be the fastest way to achieve a ceasefire. This proposal was made after Witkoff met with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev in Washington earlier this month.
According to Reuters, which reported on this development on April 11, US officials are increasingly divided on how to break the deadlock in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Witkoff and another US Special Envoy, Keith Kellogg, have differing opinions on the best course of action.
**Witkoff’s Proposal is Met with Criticism**
Witkoff’s suggestion has been met with widespread criticism. In September 2022, Moscow held sham referendums in Ukraine’s occupied territories, which were widely condemned as illegitimate and conducted under duress. These votes were recognized only by Russia and North Korea.
The idea that the majority of people in these regions want to be under Russian rule is simply not true. The so-called “referendums” were held at gunpoint, with soldiers going door-to-door with ballot boxes. This is a blatant attempt to justify Moscow’s annexation of Ukrainian territory.
**Trump Administration‘s Divided Views**
The Trump administration has already indicated that it expects Kyiv to make territorial concessions as part of a possible peace deal. In fact, they have called a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders “unrealistic.” This is deeply concerning and suggests that the US may be willing to compromise on Ukrainian sovereignty.
**What Does this Mean for Ukraine?**
If Witkoff’s proposal were to become reality, it would mean giving Moscow control over four Ukrainian regions. This would be a disaster for Ukraine and would set a terrible precedent for other countries facing similar conflicts.
The international community must stand strong against this kind of aggression. The occupation of Ukrainian territory is unacceptable, and any attempts to legitimize it through sham referendums or territorial concessions are equally unwarranted.
**Conclusion**
The proposal by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to give Moscow control over four occupied Ukrainian regions is a shocking development that should be met with strong opposition from the international community. The legitimacy of these “referendums” is highly questionable, and any attempts to justify them as a means to achieve a ceasefire are deeply flawed.
The Trump administration’s divided views on this issue only add to the confusion. What is clear, however, is that Ukraine must not be forced into making territorial concessions at the expense of its sovereignty. The US and other countries must stand strong in their support for Ukrainian independence and reject any attempts to legitimize Russian aggression.
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