Key Concepts:
- Steve Witkoff's Moscow trips
- Kremlin propaganda
- Land swap proposal
- Misunderstanding of Putin's position
- Donbas, Crimea, Lugansk
Steve Witkoff's Moscow Missions and Initial Missteps:
Earlier this year, Steve Witkoff, a golfing partner of Donald Trump, undertook several trips to Moscow, which seemingly coincided with a downturn in events. A clip shows Witkoff sitting across from Vladimir Putin, mistakenly assuming a woman next to Putin was a translator from the American embassy. In reality, she was one of Putin's aides. Witkoff had not arranged for a translator.
Exposure to Kremlin Propaganda:
Putin proceeded to brief Witkoff on the situation in Ukraine, focusing on the "so-called four regions": Donbas, Crimea, Lugansk, and two others. Putin claimed that referendums showed an "overwhelming majority" in these regions desired Russian rule. This suggests Witkoff was exposed to Kremlin propaganda.
The Land Swap Proposal and its Flaws:
Upon Witkoff's return to the US, he briefed Donald Trump, leading the president to discuss potential land swaps. The proposed deal, as understood by Witkoff, involved Putin relinquishing two of the contested regions in exchange for retaining the others, including Crimea, which Russia has controlled since 2014, and the other two regions.
European Leaders' Reaction and the Reality of Putin's Stance:
This news surprised European leaders and diplomats, who believed Putin was unwilling to concede any territory. Their understanding proved correct.
Misunderstanding and Lack of Translation:
It appears Witkoff misunderstood Putin's position due to the absence of an American translator or notetaker during their meeting.
Conclusion:
The main takeaway is that Steve Witkoff's attempt to act as a peace envoy was undermined by a misunderstanding of Putin's position, likely exacerbated by exposure to Kremlin propaganda and the lack of proper translation during their meeting. The proposed land swap deal, as understood by Witkoff, was inaccurate and did not reflect Putin's actual intentions.
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