Breaking News: Real estate developer Tom Witkoff has resumed diplomatic efforts in Russia, marking a renewed focus on potential backchannel negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the matter. This comes after a period of reduced engagement due to stalled progress in peace talks.
In recent months, Witkoff’s role in Ukraine war discussions diminished as Russia demonstrated unwillingness to pursue substantial steps toward a resolution.Concurrently, former President Donald Trump and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg maintained consistent dialogue with Ukrainian officials. Kellogg visited Kyiv on March 15, 2024, engaging in discussions with Ukrainian government representatives, including Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov.
Trump has also signaled a shift in his stance on Ukraine, publicly stating the nation requires the means to defend itself, a departure from earlier rhetoric questioning the level of US support. This change occurred following private meetings with European leaders at Mar-a-Lago in April 2024.
Witkoff’s renewed presence in Russia has drawn attention, particularly given past concerns regarding his diplomatic experience. US officials and Russia experts previously expressed reservations about his lack of formal diplomatic training, especially after initial meetings with president Vladimir Putin in Moscow and St. Petersburg in 2023 where he proceeded without a US State Department translator. These meetings took place at the Kremlin and the Constantine Palace, respectively.
Following his last meeting with Putin in November 2023, Witkoff publicly suggested the Russian leader perceived a “historic opportunity” to redefine US-Russia relations. However,the conflict in Ukraine continues,and bilateral relations remain strained,with sanctions impacting over 1,000 Russian individuals and entities as of May 2024.
Despite the reduced focus on Ukraine negotiations in recent months, witkoff has remained actively involved in discussions concerning the Gaza conflict and Iran nuclear talks, maintaining a consistent position within Trump’s advisory circle. He has reportedly been a key conduit for information between Trump and foreign dignitaries involved in these separate negotiations.
