Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Russia and the Middle East, has sparked concern within the White House due to his unorthodox approach to diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to sources cited by the New York Post. Unlike typical U.S. diplomatic protocol, Witkoff has conducted solo meetings with Putin without the usual entourage of advisers, military officials, or experts.
Notably, Witkoff has reportedly used Kremlin translators during discussions with Putin-a significant breach of standard U.S. diplomatic practice. This reliance on Russian-provided translators has raised red flags among officials who worry about the lack of direct control over communication and potential misunderstandings.
Sources described Witkoff as a “nice guy, but a bumbling f***ing idiot,” emphasizing that he “should not be doing this alone.” Ahead of his April 25 meeting with Putin in Moscow, Witkoff greeted the Russian leader informally and without the customary team that typically supports high-level U.S. negotiators. In contrast, Putin was accompanied by his aide Yuri Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
Witkoff’s posture has alarmed officials because he often echoes Putin’s narratives and appears to lack a clear understanding of Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict. While Witkoff focuses on negotiating with Russia, the official U.S. envoy to Ukraine remains Keith Kellogg, who has been working closely with Kyiv on ceasefire proposals.
Experts have criticized the division of responsibilities between Witkoff and Kellogg, warning that Witkoff’s closeness to Kremlin perspectives without balanced exposure to Ukraine’s stance undermines effective mediation. Former diplomats and analysts have called for a more experienced and coordinated diplomatic effort, cautioning that Witkoff’s approach risks conveying Moscow’s views more than fostering genuine negotiations.
Despite these concerns, Witkoff has played a key role in recent talks with Putin, including discussions about a potential peace deal involving contested Ukrainian territories. However, his methods and lack of traditional diplomatic support continue to draw skepticism within U.S. government circles.
The White House’s unease reflects broader tensions over the handling of delicate negotiations aimed at resolving the protracted Ukraine-Russia conflict, with many insiders urging a reassessment of Witkoff’s role and approach.
