EU Condemns Russia’s Sham Referendums After Steve Witkoff’s Controversial Remarks

The European Union reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following remarks by Stephen Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy, who appeared to legitimize Russia’s staged “referendums” in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.

At a briefing in Brussels on March 24, European Commission spokeswoman Anita Gipper called the referendums a “complete fraud and at gunpoint,” European Truth reported. Gipper cited the European Council’s March 21 conclusions, reiterating the bloc’s unwavering backing for Ukraine.

She emphasized that any peace talks must be determined by Ukraine alone, adding, “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” Gipper also pointed to continued Russian attacks over the weekend, including a strike on Kyiv that killed three people, among them a five-year-old child.

“Our support is very strong,” Gipper said. “We have shown this through military, financial and humanitarian aid, 16 sanctions packages, and a 17th in preparation, as well as our military support plan. We must support Ukraine now more than ever.”

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Witkoff, in an interview with Tucker Carlson, acknowledged the Kremlin-organized referendums held in 2022 and stated that Ukraine’s NATO membership is incompatible with a potential peace deal with Russia.

He also described a visit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who presented him with “a beautiful portrait of President Trump.”