CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas on Monday sharply criticized remarks made by U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff regarding the war in Ukraine, describing their language about Russian President Vladimir Putin as "absolutely abhorrent" and "embarrassing for the United States."
Plitsas's comments came after Kushner stated during a press conference in Kyiv that peace negotiations could result in a "win-win" scenario and allow Putin to achieve his "aspirations." The senior fellow at the Atlantic Council expressed disgust with the sentiment, particularly in light of documented war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.
"The idea that we should give in to Vladimir Putin’s aspirations as part of this is absurd," Plitsas said on CNN’s “The Lead.” "The man’s troops have killed hundreds of thousands across Ukraine, with documented, heinous war crimes, including raping and pillaging and hundreds of thousands dead, and his aspiration’s to take the rest of the country."
While acknowledging that territorial swaps might be part of peace negotiations, Plitsas emphasized the importance of language used during such discussions. He specifically called out Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate investor, for thanking Putin during a meeting in the Kremlin for "all these incredible stories" they would have "when we retire."
"And the language that was used about what fond memories they would have of negotiations in Moscow, followed by the idea that Vladimir Putin’s aspirations are valid to be taken into account, is absolutely absurd," Plitsas told guest host John Berman. "I was actually pretty disgusted with what I heard. It’s the first time I’ve used that type of language to describe this, but this was embarrassing."
Kushner and Witkoff made their first official visit to Ukraine on Sunday as part of a renewed effort for peace. The visit concluded shortly before Russian forces resumed airstrikes on Tuesday morning, which resulted in at least three deaths and a dozen injuries.
Plitsas suggested that such statements could be misinterpreted by Putin and the Russian military. "The message is a reflection of the fact that Putin still thinks that he can win this war and he’s told his army to double down," Plitsas stated. He noted that this occurred despite a recent visit from the CIA director, at the request of President Trump, to deliver a stern warning to Russia. Plitsas characterized the outcome as Putin reading the warning "as a sign of weakness."