Questions about diplomatic propriety shadow an upcoming Moscow meeting as Donald Trump’s special envoy prepares to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. Steve Witkoff, recently exposed for advising Russian officials on strategies to gain Trump’s favor, arrives in the Russian capital following discussions with Ukrainian leadership.
The property developer’s controversial dual role has raised eyebrows among European observers monitoring the peace process. His participation in weekend talks at a Florida golf club developed by his own company adds another layer of potential conflict to an already complex diplomatic situation.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged that recent Florida discussions between American and Ukrainian representatives were challenging but ultimately productive. When questioned about trusting the United States to reach a favorable solution for Ukraine, she noted that Ukrainian negotiators faced these talks without European counterparts present, though she expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to defend its interests.
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is expected to accompany Witkoff to Moscow, though Kremlin spokesperson did not confirm whether Kushner would join the actual meeting with Putin. Kushner previously played an active role in negotiating the Gaza peace agreement, bringing Middle Eastern diplomatic experience to the Ukraine situation.
Ukrainian officials have not yet fully resolved all revisions to the proposed American peace framework. President Zelenskyy indicated Monday that some challenging issues still require resolution through continued negotiations. These outstanding questions will likely factor into the Moscow discussions as American envoys attempt to gauge Russian flexibility on key points.