★
Key insights
-
1
Witkoff's Influence: Witkoff's negotiations may favor Russian interests over U.S. objectives.
-
2
Potential for Prolonged Conflict: His actions could extend the war by undermining U.S. support for Ukraine.
-
3
Lack of Diplomatic Experience: Witkoff's background raises questions about his effectiveness in negotiations.
A
What happened
Steve Witkoff, a former real estate developer, is involved in negotiations aimed at achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine. However, his recent actions may have inadvertently blocked U.S. missile sales to Ukraine, which could prolong the ongoing conflict. During a conversation with Russian official Yuri Ushakov, Witkoff suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin call Donald Trump to discuss peace. This call occurred on October 16, and Trump later refrained from offering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Instead, Trump pushed for territorial concessions from Ukraine, aligning with Russian demands. Witkoff's lack of diplomatic experience and potential business interests in Russia raise concerns about his influence on U.S. policy, as he appears to advocate for Russian positions rather than promoting genuine peace efforts. His actions may contribute to further violence and instability in the region.