Steve Witkoff expands role to lead US negotiations with Russia on Ukraine

US President Donald Trump

US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is set to join top Trump administration officials in Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian leaders regarding an end to the war in Ukraine. Witkoff, a real estate magnate and close Trump ally, has rapidly emerged as a key diplomatic figure despite lacking formal experience in international negotiations, as reported by The Washington Post.

A trusted Trump confidant takes centrestage
Before joining the administration, Witkoff was a longtime Trump associate, fundraiser, and adviser. His deep ties to the president date back to the 1980s, and he played a pivotal role in Trump’s 2024 campaign by brokering meetings with key Republican figures. Despite his background in real estate, Trump has lauded him as a “great negotiator,” citing his success in securing a recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Leading high-stakes negotiations with Russia
While Witkoff’s official role was initially focused on the Middle East, he has increasingly become involved in broader foreign policy efforts. On Tuesday, he will accompany Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Michael Waltz in talks with Russian officials, a dramatic shift from the Biden administration’s previous reluctance to engage directly with the Kremlin. The meeting, held in Saudi Arabia, represents a significant step in the Trump administration’s push to reach a negotiated settlement in Ukraine.

Witkoff has previously been credited with securing the release of American teacher Marc Fogel from a Russian prison in a high-profile prisoner swap. Trump has indicated that the exchange could serve as a precursor to a larger deal with Moscow, The Washington Post reports.

Uncertain details on Ukraine’s future
Witkoff has remained tight-lipped about the potential terms of a peace agreement. When pressed about whether Ukraine would be expected to cede significant territory, he declined to comment, stating only that negotiations were focused on ending the conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently described Ukraine’s goal of regaining all occupied territory as “unrealistic,” a statement that has fuelled concerns among European allies that Trump’s team may be prepared to make major concessions to Russia.

Mixed reactions to Witkoff’s diplomatic role
While some inside the administration have praised Witkoff’s unconventional approach, critics argue that entrusting sensitive diplomatic negotiations to a political loyalist without prior foreign policy experience carries significant risks. His involvement in US-Russia talks has further alarmed European leaders, who worry about being sidelined in the process.

Witkoff, however, insists that the administration is committed to including all stakeholders. “This is about bringing everyone to the table,” he told Fox News, pushing back against concerns that Kyiv was being left out of negotiations.

Expanding influence in the Middle East
In addition to his new role in Ukraine talks, Witkoff has continued his work in the Middle East, where he has been instrumental in negotiations with Israeli and Saudi officials. Earlier this year, he toured Gaza and met with Israeli leaders as part of US efforts to push for a long-term regional settlement. His involvement has drawn praise from some quarters, with National Security Council officials describing his collaboration as “productive and effective.”

With Trump’s foreign policy increasingly shaped by personal alliances, Witkoff’s influence appears to be growing. As he takes on a central role in the Ukraine conflict, the coming weeks will test whether his brand of high-stakes dealmaking can deliver results in one of the world’s most volatile conflicts.