Zelenskyy: Trump special envoy Witkoff "very often quotes Kremlin narratives", which do not bring peace closer
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East, for frequently citing Kremlin narratives. Zelenskyy has said such statements only weaken pressure on Russia and make achieving peace more difficult.
Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Eurovision News
Quote: "I believe that Witkoff indeed very often quotes Kremlin narratives. I do not think this will bring us closer to peace. And I believe that, sadly, it will weaken US pressure on Russia. We can only correct this informational field through our actions. We are trying to do that."
Details: Zelenskyy also emphasised the need for a clear and decisive US position in supporting Ukraine.
"We want the Americans to be on our side. And even if today the US has chosen the tactic of being in the middle, then the middle is the middle, not closer to the Kremlin," he stressed.
Background:
In an interview with former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, Witkoff effectively recognised the "referendums" that Russia held in the occupied territories of Ukraine in 2022.
In the same interview, Witkoff claimed that Ukraine's membership in NATO was incompatible with a potential peace deal with Russia.
Commenting on the interview, the European Commission reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and stressed that the sham "referendums" held by Russia in the occupied territory of Ukraine had been wholly rigged.
A Ukrainian MP demanded that Witkoff be removed from office after his shameful remarks regarding Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that Washington's confidence in claims made by Moscow would eventually fade. His remarks come amid controversial statements by Witkoff regarding Ukraine.
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Eliminating taxes on Social Security will harm everyone in the long run, but the policy will only benefit a small percentage of Americans in the near term. Low-income households pay very little taxes on Social Security income. The bottom 40% of households by income receiving benefits pay an average of less than 1% in taxes on their benefits. Even high-income households don't face significant tax burdens. The top quintile of retirees, those with more than $205,800 in household income, pay just 20% in taxes on Social Security benefits, on average. Here's what the "One Big Beautiful Bill" offers instead Instead of cutting taxes on Social Security benefits, Americans age 65 and older will get an additional $4,000 tax deduction as long as their income remains below certain thresholds. That could give seniors some relief without as much negative impact on Social Security in the long run. As a result, most seniors will be better off under the current plan than if Trump got his way and fully eliminated taxes on Social Security. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook Offer from the Motley Fool: If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets"could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. JoinStock Advisorto learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" »
