Fresh scrutiny surrounds Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff following revelations about his extensive dealings with Russian officials, raising fundamental questions about American foreign policy direction and European security.
The Russian Connection Deepens
According to a detailed Bloomberg report, Witkoff maintained significant contact with Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin's senior foreign policy adviser. During a phone conversation last month, the American envoy informed Ushakov about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's planned White House visit and suggested that Putin should speak with Trump beforehand.
Witkoff reportedly told the Russian official: "The president will give me a lot of space and discretion to get to the deal." He referenced Trump's 20-point Gaza peace proposal, indicating "maybe we do the same thing with you" regarding Russia.
Drafting Controversial Peace Plans
The investigation reveals that Witkoff subsequently collaborated with Russian counterparts to draft the controversial peace proposal that displayed clear Russian influences. The United States then pressured Ukraine to accept this arrangement, despite concerns from European allies.
The report portrays Trump's envoy as appearing like a "useful idiot" while operating within delicate international diplomacy. Witkoff's actions have strengthened Moscow's strategic position against Ukraine and potentially compromised Western Europe's security infrastructure.
Ongoing Engagement Despite Concerns
Despite these revelations and the concerning power dynamic they reveal, Donald Trump continues to dispatch Witkoff back to Moscow for additional talks aimed at resolving the Ukraine-Russia impasse. The envoy is scheduled to meet with Vladimir Putin again next week, continuing their direct engagement.
Kyiv officials reportedly view Witkoff's continued involvement with apprehension, concerned about what Trump's "Mr Fixit" might negotiate next. The Ukrainian government despairs at his ongoing role and what it signifies about Trump's perspectives and loyalties.
In most diplomatic positions, an envoy demonstrating such extensive compromise would face immediate dismissal. Yet within the Trump administration, where scandal has become normalised, Witkoff maintains his influential position shaping American-Russian relations at the highest level.
