In a notable development in global diplomacy, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, an influential figure in real estate and foreign affairs, landed in Moscow for significant talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Witkoff, a close associate of former President Donald Trump, is currently involved in delicate negotiations, as he seeks to bring peace to both Ukraine and the Gaza region. According to insiders, Witkoff is slated to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a recently proposed 30-day ceasefire initiated by the United States, with hopes for a swift endorsement from the Kremlin.
This visit to Moscow marks one of Witkoff’s many high-level diplomatic ventures. Last month, his discussions in Russia resulted in a successful prisoner exchange, freeing Marc Fogel, an American educator previously jailed, allegedly due to possession of medicinal cannabis. Fogel’s release came alongside the return of Alexander Vinnik, a Russian expert in cryptocurrency accused of financial fraud in the U.S. The success of these negotiations has been partly attributed to Witkoff’s effective dialogue with Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, coupled with the diplomatic efforts of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Beyond the Russian negotiations, Witkoff also played a significant role in a Middle East diplomatic win for Trump just before his inauguration. In a coordinated effort with Joe Biden’s team, he facilitated a deal that resulted in a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The agreement led to a weekslong truce and involved freeing 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The ongoing push for the “Witkoff proposal” aims for a further resolution involving the release of more hostages by Hamas and a potential extension of the ceasefire.
Witkoff, a longstanding ally and collaborator with Trump, first crossed paths with the former president in the 1980s during a real estate transaction. Their friendship was cemented years later following a memorable encounter over a deli sandwich, blossoming into a relationship that saw Witkoff contributing financially to Trump’s political campaigns and engaging in various collaborative business ventures, such as the World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency project.
Having started his career as a real estate attorney and eventually establishing a prominent New York-based real estate firm, Witkoff is a formidable figure in the business world. He even shared a dramatic episode with Trump on a golf course in Florida during a security alert involving Secret Service agents. Witkoff’s involvement with Trump extended into his presidential campaign, where he played a crucial role as a speaker at the Republican National Convention, sharing personal anecdotes that underscored his resilience and empathy for other families affected by loss, especially following the tragic death of his son Andrew.
Widely recognized for his influence and loyalty, Witkoff has provided personal and logistical support to Trump, including the use of his private aircraft during the campaign and mediating peace with Republican figure Ron DeSantis following political rifts. Witkoff’s contributions were rewarded with his appointment as a co-chair of Trump’s inaugural committee and, eventually, as the special envoy to the Middle East, an appointment indicative of his expanding portfolio in high-stakes diplomacy and international negotiations.
