Meet Steve Witkoff: Trump’s Special Envoy Handling Ukraine and Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Steve Witkoff, a longtime Trump friend and real estate mogul, is now a key diplomatic figure, working on peace efforts in Ukraine and Gaza. He recently arrived in Moscow for high-level talks as part of Trump’s push for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Witkoff has been instrumental in past negotiations, including a prisoner swap with Russia and a hostage deal in Gaza.
Steve Witkoff’s Rise as Trump’s Diplomatic Power Player: Quick Looks
- Real Estate to Foreign Policy: Witkoff went from a NYC real estate mogul to Trump’s top international negotiator.
- Key Diplomatic Missions: He has played a critical role in U.S. efforts to broker peace in Ukraine and Gaza.
- Ukraine Peace Talks: Witkoff arrived in Moscow Thursday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a 30-day ceasefire.
- Gaza Negotiations: He was instrumental in a ceasefire that led to 33 hostages being freed, and Israel’s new plan for Gaza is nicknamed the “Witkoff proposal.”
- Ties to Trump: Witkoff met Trump at a deli in the 1980s, and their friendship led to business partnerships and major political roles.
- Brokered a U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap: He helped negotiate the release of American teacher Marc Fogel in exchange for Russian crypto-expert Alexander Vinnik.
- Campaign Role: Witkoff was a key Trump campaign supporter, RNC speaker, and major political donor.
- Florida Influence: He helped mend Trump’s relationship with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after their 2024 primary feud.
Deep Look: Steve Witkoff’s Journey from Real Estate to Trump’s Diplomatic Right Hand
From NYC Real Estate to Trump’s Foreign Policy Inner Circle
Steve Witkoff, a real estate mogul turned international negotiator, has taken on one of the most critical roles in Trump’s administration: handling delicate diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and Gaza.
- Witkoff built his fortune in the 1990s as a developer in New York City.
- He became one of Trump’s closest business allies after a chance deli encounter in the 1980s where Trump forgot his wallet and asked Witkoff to spot him for a sandwich.
- The two became close friends, later partnering on real estate deals and Trump’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial.
Though Witkoff was not a prominent political figure during Trump’s first term, his loyalty and business acumen earned him a major diplomatic role in Trump’s second administration.
Leading Ukraine Peace Talks in Moscow
On Thursday, Witkoff arrived in Moscow for high-stakes talks with Russian officials, marking his most significant diplomatic mission yet.
- His visit follows Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S.-brokered 30-day ceasefire proposal.
- The Biden administration had stalled on peace efforts, but Trump pushed negotiations forward using Witkoff as his lead envoy.
- The Kremlin has yet to confirm whether Russia will agree to the ceasefire, but Witkoff is expected to meet with Putin to press for a deal.
“Sometimes you don’t get a good result. Here, we got a very good result,” Witkoff said about past negotiations, expressing optimism for a Ukraine truce.
Gaza: The ‘Witkoff Proposal’ and Ceasefire Efforts
Witkoff was also one of Trump’s key envoys in the Middle East, helping negotiate a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
- His efforts led to 33 hostages being freed, and the plan he brokered has shaped Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is now pushing the “Witkoff Proposal”, which calls for:
- Hamas to release half of its remaining hostages.
- A temporary ceasefire extension.
- Negotiations for a long-term truce.
- Critically, Israel has not yet agreed to release more Palestinian prisoners, making the next phase of negotiations more difficult.
“This deal would have never come to fruition without Trump,” Witkoff said, crediting the president’s influence.
Brokered a U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap
Witkoff previously traveled to Moscow in February, where he successfully negotiated a prisoner swap that freed:
- Marc Fogel, an American teacher jailed in Russia for carrying medical marijuana.
- In exchange, the U.S. released Alexander Vinnik, a Russian crypto-expert accused of Bitcoin fraud.
Witkoff built rapport with Russian officials during that deal, which could help his latest peace efforts in Ukraine.
Trump’s Political and Business Ties to Witkoff
Witkoff has been a major financial supporter of Trump’s campaigns, donating millions of dollars and playing a key role in Trump’s reelection efforts.
- Speaker at the Republican National Convention (RNC).
- Helped organize Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
- Worked behind the scenes to reunite Trump with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis after their bitter 2024 primary fight.
- Allowed Trump to use his private jet during the campaign.
Trump, Witkoff, and the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy
With Trump’s foreign policy strategy shifting toward negotiations rather than military interventions, Witkoff has become a central figure in shaping U.S. diplomacy.
- If Ukraine and Russia agree to a ceasefire, it would mark Trump’s first major foreign policy victory in his second term.
- In Gaza, the success of the “Witkoff Proposal” could determine the next phase of the Israel-Hamas war.
- His role has grown beyond diplomacy, with some insiders suggesting he could take on an even bigger position in the administration.
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