Steve Witkoff, ex-President Trump's aide, has embarked on a pivotal mission to Russia, aiming to rekindle discussions around the ongoing Ukraine war amidst stagnation.
Trump's Envoy in Russia: Fresh Hope for Ukraine Talks
Trump's Envoy in Russia: Fresh Hope for Ukraine Talks
Steve Witkoff's visit attempts to reignite stalled negotiations over the Ukraine war.
In a notable move, Steve Witkoff, senior aide on Russia negotiations under former President Trump, landed in Russia on Friday, according to the Kremlin. This visit comes as officials from the U.S. and Russia attempt to revive faltering dialogues concerning the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, confirmed Mr. Witkoff's arrival but did not disclose if he would meet with President Vladimir V. Putin, who was reported to be working away from Moscow that day.
Should a meeting occur, it would mark the third time Mr. Witkoff has met with Mr. Putin since efforts began to reset U.S.-Russia relations and seek resolutions for the Ukrainian war. Prior reports noted that Witkoff's trip was initially highlighted by Axios.
Notably, Mr. Witkoff is the first senior American official to reach Moscow for discussions with Mr. Putin since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, which led the Biden administration to sever contact with the Kremlin amidst accusations of crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.
Emphasizing a different approach, Witkoff has described his attempts to build “a friendship, a relationship” with Mr. Putin as a cornerstone of his diplomatic efforts.
Should a meeting occur, it would mark the third time Mr. Witkoff has met with Mr. Putin since efforts began to reset U.S.-Russia relations and seek resolutions for the Ukrainian war. Prior reports noted that Witkoff's trip was initially highlighted by Axios.
Notably, Mr. Witkoff is the first senior American official to reach Moscow for discussions with Mr. Putin since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, which led the Biden administration to sever contact with the Kremlin amidst accusations of crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.
Emphasizing a different approach, Witkoff has described his attempts to build “a friendship, a relationship” with Mr. Putin as a cornerstone of his diplomatic efforts.
