“They were at gunpoint”: EU comments on Witkoff’s statement on Russian “referendums”

European Commission spokesperson said that Russian-organized votes in occupied Ukrainian territories were conducted “at gunpoint” and completely falsified.
European Commission spokesperson
European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper. Credit:
“They were at gunpoint”: EU comments on Witkoff’s statement on Russian “referendums”

The European Commission has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemned the so-called “referendums” held by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories as completely fraudulent, European Pravda reported a briefing in Brussels on 24 March.

European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said that the referendums conducted by Russia “were a total sham and [conducted] at gunpoint.”

Regarding peace negotiations, Hipper clarified the EU position. “One, the EU’s position for peace is that it is for Ukraine to decide the actual conditions, and the second point that nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” she said.

The spokesperson pointed to Russia’s continued attacks as evidence of their untrustworthiness. “We have also seen the attacks over the weekend, including a strike on Kyiv, where three people have died, including a five-year-old child,” Hipper noted.

“We must support Ukraine now more than ever, and that is what we will do,” Hipper concluded.

The briefing came in response to US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, in which he recognized the “referendums” conducted by Russia in occupied territories in 2022.

In the same interview, Witkoff claimed that Ukraine’s NATO membership is incompatible with a potential peace agreement with Russia. He also mentioned receiving “a beautiful portrait of President Trump” as a gift during his visit with Kremlin leader Putin.

Read also:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts