Trump Official Under Fire: ‘Repeats Kremlin Talking Points’

Photo Description: Steve Witkoff, speaks during the ‘Make America Great Again Victory Rally

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has faced backlash for his positive remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin and his support for Russian-held referenda in Ukraine. British journalist Andrew Neil condemned Witkoff as “a Kremlin stooge” and criticized his understanding of the geopolitical dynamics. Neil cautioned that views from high-ranking officials may derail peace negotiations.

Photo Description: Steve Witkoff plays golf with Donald Trump

Neil said, “One is just a busted flush mad American broadcaster, but the other is the president’s special envoy and he knows nothing about what he’s talking about.” He added, “I mean this guy’s a property billionaire, he’s never been involved in this level of geopolitics. He doesn’t know anything about it.”

Photo Description: Steve Witkoff speaks at the Republican National Convention

Witkoff claimed that the core conflict in Ukraine has arisen from Russia’s claims to four regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. He noted that the regions are primarily Russian-speaking and referred to referenda showing local wishes to join Russia.

Photo Description: Survivors discuss Russia's targeting of a nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine

Witkoff’s comments drew scrutiny from various critics, including former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis. Ukrainian lawmakers have labeled his remarks troubling.

Photo Description: Ukrainian Americans hold a demonstration against Putin

Landsbergis wrote, “Witkoff’s repeating of Kremlin lies about ‘russian-speakers’ [sic] wanting to ‘join Russia’ is truly chilling.” He added, “Hearing Americans talk like this should be an electric shock for Europe, not a wake-up call.”

Photo Description: Moscow, Russia

Parliamentary foreign affairs committee head Oleksandr Merezhko said Witkoff’s lack of understanding poses a risk to U.S. diplomatic efforts. Witkoff has traveled to Moscow twice, where he claimed that Russia does not intend to absorb Ukraine and is not seeking to invade Europe.

Photo Description: The parents of Ethan Hertweck, who was killed by Russians while defending Ukraine

Merezhko said, “I don’t understand what this is about — ignorance, naivety, unprofessionalism? Because we are talking about a representative of the president, who should professionally understand this issue and know some basic things. And he doesn’t know this. He is relaying Russian propaganda.”

Photo Description: Steve Witkoff hugs his son Zach Witkoff

Neil said, “Throughout the interview he repeats Kremlin talking points, and so does Carlson. These are two Kremlin lovers.”

Photo Description: Ekaterina Bogdanova cleans a school in Kharkiv following a Russian missile strike

Neil added, ”[Witkoff] describes Putin as ‘not a bad guy’. He ought to speak to the families of those who’ve been murdered by Putin’s thugs or stuck in the gulag by his thugs.”

Photo Description: Moscow, Russia

Critics claimed that Witkoff’s remarks have revealed an alignment with Kremlin narratives. Some fear they may disadvantage Ukraine in future negotiations. Neil said, “I think it’s very dangerous when you’ve got the leading representative of the president talking as if he’s a Kremlin stooge.”