Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine-Russia negotiations, has emerged as a central figure in U.S. diplomacy, leading peace talks with Russia. His recent advocacy for transferring control of four Ukrainian regions—Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—to Russia as part of a ceasefire strategy has sparked concern among Republicans and U.S. allies. This proposal, rejected by Ukraine, is viewed by many in Washington and European capitals as conceding to Russian demands.
Witkoff’s private meeting with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who is under U.S. sanctions, has further raised security concerns. His position conflicts with other Trump administration officials like General Keith Kellogg, who supports stronger backing for Ukraine. As President Trump pushes for a ceasefire by May, internal divisions and lack of a coordinated policy are causing confusion and fear among allies that the U.S. may undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and broader European security.
President Trump has expressed frustration with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, urging Russia to expedite peace negotiations. He criticized the war as “senseless” and asserted it would not have occurred under his administration. Witkoff’s visit marks the third time he has traveled to negotiate in Russia, aiming to revive stalled peace talks. While Trump initially held hope for a peace deal, his stance towards Putin has recently hardened, threatening secondary oil tariffs if Russia is deemed responsible for the failure to end the conflict.
As the Trump administration emphasizes a strategic focus on Asia and domestic issues, having relinquished its leadership role in the defense group earlier this year, the U.S. has ruled out providing air cover, signaling a shift in responsibilities to European allies.
