Trump doubts Witkoff's ability to succeed in negotiations with Russia
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Thu, 01 May 2025 15:05:00 +0300
Trump questioned Witkoffs abilities as a negotiatorThis is reported by the New York Post, citing sources.President Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, former lawyer and real estate investor Steve Witkoff, has angered administration insiders with his approach to negotiations with Americas two biggest adversaries.Witkoff, who has become Trumps de facto personal envoy in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his envoys in addition to Middle East talks, has been attending highlevel meetings alone, sources said, sometimes relying on Kremlin interpreters, contrary to longstanding diplomatic procedures.
The NYP notes that on the eve of Witkoffs last meeting with Putin last Friday, he greeted the Kremlin leader like an old friend without any hint of the usual circle of advisers, experts, and military officers who usually accompany American officials to negotiations.
At the same time, Putin himself was present at this meeting, accompanied by his assistant Yuri Ushakov and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, who was the representative of the Russian president at the negotiations in Washington.A member of Trumps first administration criticized Witkoffs approach when he negotiates alone.Others also express concern that Witkoff is being given too large a role, combining U.S.
negotiations with Russia with negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release between Israel and Hamas, as well as a review of the deal with Iran over its nuclear weapons program.Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul wrote on the social network X that Trump should appoint someone with some experience in diplomacy as a mediator in negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.
Witkoff acts as a mailman for Putin.
He doesnt negotiate anything.In addition, the NYP writes that even Russian media have noticed that Witkoff repeats Putins words and easily adopts Russian narratives.
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