Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for former President Donald Trump, arrived in Moscow on Thursday to engage in important discussions aimed at halting Russia’s military incursion into Ukraine. This marks another significant assignment for Witkoff, a real estate mogul who has transitioned into a key player in White House foreign policy.
Previously, Witkoff has been instrumental in the U.S. administration’s initiatives to resolve the conflict in Gaza. While in Moscow, he is expected to confer with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as indicated by a U.S. official who confirmed Witkoff’s presence in Russia for these sensitive discussions. This information was provided on the condition of anonymity, as the official was not authorized to speak publicly.
The visit comes following Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia earlier in the week. The American administration is now anticipating that Russia will agree to the ceasefire as well. At 68 years old, Witkoff plays a crucial role in orchestrating complex negotiations related to Gaza and Ukraine without requiring Senate confirmation.
Witkoff has previously achieved a successful outcome in Moscow. His trip to Russia last month resulted in a prisoner swap, freeing Marc Fogel, an American history teacher detained by Russia. Fogel had been arrested in August 2021 and sentenced to a 14-year prison term. His arrest was due to traveling with medically prescribed marijuana, according to his family and supporters. In exchange, Alexander Vinnik, a Russian facing fraud charges in the U.S., was returned to Russia.
Witkoff has developed a strong rapport with Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, aiding in these negotiations, as confirmed by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. In a gesture of diplomatic tact, Witkoff lauded Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating Fogel’s release. “He championed the alliance that led to these successful negotiations,” Witkoff stated.
Witkoff’s role extends beyond this recent Moscow visit. Just weeks after President Trump’s electoral victory, but before his inauguration, Witkoff was dispatched to the Middle East. He was tasked with working with the future Biden administration on achieving a significant hostage and temporary ceasefire deal. This negotiation facilitated a lengthy ceasefire and the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Crediting Trump with the ceasefire deal, Witkoff noted its success partly lay in Trump’s leadership. However, negotiations continue to be difficult, particularly regarding freeing the remaining hostages. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for what is referred to as the “Witkoff proposal,” which involves Hamas releasing half of its remaining hostages in exchange for extending the current ceasefire and embarking on negotiations for a permanent truce. The proposal does not mention releasing further Palestinian prisoners, which played a critical role in the first negotiation phase.
Witkoff and Trump share a long-standing friendship that dates back to a random encounter at a deli in the 1980s. This relationship has developed over time, with Witkoff donating millions to Trump’s political ventures and partnering in his family cryptocurrency project, World Liberty Financial.
Professionally, Witkoff began as a real estate attorney before founding a New York City-based real estate firm. He currently chairs his company, Witkoff, and lives in Florida alongside Trump, engaging in frequent golf outings together. During one such outing last September, during a second assassination attempt on Trump, Witkoff detailed the incident on Fox News.
Witkoff also played a role in Trump’s campaign and presidential activities. He delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention, sharing how Trump supported him after his son Andrew’s death from an opioid overdose. Last month he addressed hostages’ families, expressing empathy based on his own experience of losing a child.
Furthermore, Witkoff contributed to Trump’s campaign by allowing him to use his private plane and mediating a reconciliation with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. After Trump secured the presidency, Witkoff was appointed co-chair of the inaugural committee and subsequently as a special envoy to the Middle East. His responsibilities have since grown to encompass further international diplomacy for Trump.
