A Ukrainian journalist confronted President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during a press conference in Kiev, asking him if Vladimir Putin is “deceiving” the American leader and if he doesn’t find it repugnant to meet with the Kremlin leader.
Dmytro Gordon addressed his questions to Witkoff on September 6, following the discussions held by the American envoy and Jared Kushner with the Ukrainian president Volodimir Zelenski, notes Kyiv Independent.
“You’ve met President Putin quite often. Do you feel that Putin has deceived you all this time?”, Gordon asked.
The journalist continued: “And, ultimately, don’t you find it disgusting to sit at the same table with an international war criminal, the executioner of the Ukrainian people, who is personally responsible for the tragedy in Ukraine?”
Witkoff: “Relationships are very important”
Steve Witkoff defended his repeated meetings with Vladimir Putin, arguing that maintaining direct contact with Moscow is necessary for finding a solution to the war in Ukraine.
“Relationships are very important in resolving a conflict like this,” the American envoy responded, arguing that lack of communication with any of the parties would make obtaining a peace agreement more difficult.
Witkoff specified that he traveled about eight times to Moscow, where he met with Putin and members of his team.
“I have always received respect from President Putin,” he said.
According to the envoy, the discussions with the Russian leader also had the role of helping the American administration to better understand Moscow’s position ahead of negotiations with Volodimir Zelenski.
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