Trump directs Middle East envoy Witkoff to reach out to Russia on Ukraine

The Kremlin has released Mark Vogel, a teacher held for more than three years on drug charges, in a deal brokered by Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Middle East envoy. Witkoff, a billionaire New York real estate manager and close friend of Mr. Trump, secretly negotiated the deal.

It was the first known trip to Moscow by a senior U.S. official since William J. Burns, then director of the CIA. He flew to the Russian capital in November 2021 to try to prevent an invasion of Ukraine, reported by NYT.

Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg

Witkoff’s role goes beyond simply a mission to free a detained American. Trump has a history of appointing multiple people to accomplish the same goal. And while Trump has named Keith Kellogg, a retired three-star general, as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, he has also given Mr. Witkoff a role in the peace process.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Trump secretly authorized Mr. Witkoff to expand his portfolio beyond the Middle East in order to open a channel for talks with the Russians. Mr. Trump personally trusts Mr. Witkoff, whom he has been friends with since the 1980s, and has told people close to him that he believes the real estate developer has the negotiating skills to help end the war in Ukraine.

Mr. Witkoff has discussed Ukraine with Saudi Arabia and Qatar

But Mr. Witkoff’s exact authority in the administration on the issue remains unclear. Mr. Witkoff has held direct talks with close associates of Mr. Putin before his visit to Moscow. He also discussed Ukraine with contacts in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, they said. The Gulf states have long sought to play a role in mediating an end to the conflict.

It is unclear whether Trump and Putin have spoken. Mr. Trump promised during his presidential campaign to end the Russia-Ukraine war “within 24 hours.” But Putin, who has shown a willingness to try to outlast Western support for Ukraine, is in no hurry to make concessions.