Trump Envoy’s Russia-Friendly Ukraine Plan Alarms GOP, Allies/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, has proposed conceding four Ukrainian regions to Russia to expedite a ceasefire, raising alarms among Republicans and U.S. allies. His approach, including meetings with sanctioned Russian officials, has been criticized for aligning too closely with Kremlin demands. Despite internal disagreements, Witkoff continues to play a central role in U.S. diplomacy regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine Peace Talks Quick Looks
- Witkoff’s Proposal: Advocates for ceding four eastern Ukrainian regions to Russia to achieve a ceasefire.
- Internal Disagreements: General Keith Kellogg and other officials oppose Witkoff’s approach, favoring continued support for Ukraine.
- Security Concerns: Witkoff’s meeting with a sanctioned Russian envoy at his home breached standard security protocols.
- Republican Backlash: GOP members express concern over Witkoff’s perceived pro-Russia stance.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Witkoff continues negotiations, including meetings with Putin and planned talks with Iran.
Trump Envoy’s Russia-Friendly Ukraine Plan Alarms GOP, Allies
Deep Look
In a move that has unsettled both Republican lawmakers and international allies, Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, has proposed a controversial strategy to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Witkoff suggests that the fastest route to a ceasefire involves the United States supporting Russia’s claim over four eastern Ukrainian regions—Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—territories that Russia attempted to annex in 2022. This proposal, which aligns closely with Kremlin demands, has been met with strong opposition from Kyiv and skepticism from U.S. and European officials.
On Friday, Trump said in a post on Truth Social: “Russia has to get moving. Too many people (are) DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war – A war that should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened, if I were President!!!”
The internal discord within the Trump administration became evident during a recent White House meeting. General Keith Kellogg, another of Trump’s envoys on Ukraine, challenged Witkoff’s proposal, emphasizing that Ukraine would not agree to unilaterally cede these territories. Despite the disagreement, President Trump did not make a definitive decision on altering the U.S. strategy.
Adding to the controversy, Witkoff hosted a dinner with Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian envoy under U.S. sanctions, at his personal residence—a breach of standard security protocols. The meeting was later moved to the White House after concerns were raised by officials. This incident, coupled with Witkoff’s public comments praising Russian President Vladimir Putin, has intensified scrutiny over his role and approach.
Two senior Western diplomats who are in touch with the administration said they believe Washington lacks a “clear plan” on how to move forward and what to do if Russia continues to delay.
“We sometimes hear contradictory things from different parts of the administration,” one of the diplomats, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said. “That also adds to the sense that there is no real plan here.”
Republican lawmakers have voiced their unease, with some contacting National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express concerns over Witkoff’s perceived pro-Russia stance. Despite the backlash, Witkoff remains a central figure in the administration’s diplomatic efforts, recently meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg and planning further talks in the Middle East.
Some U.S. and European officials worry that as Witkoff pursues Trump’s strategy, the Russians are taking advantage of his lack of experience at the negotiating table, according to the two U.S. officials and more than a dozen other people familiar with the administration’s internal deliberations, including Western diplomats.
“Witkoff must go, and Rubio must take his place,” read a March 26 letter from Eric Levine, a major Republican donor. The letter, sent to a group including Republican donors, was written after the Carlson interview and a Fox News appearance, and criticized Witkoff for praising Putin.
Democrats have weighed in, too.
“Witkoff and Trump have committed a cardinal sin of diplomacy: they have put their desperation for a deal on full display,” said Ned Price, a former spokesperson for the State Department under President Joe Biden.
As the Trump administration continues to navigate the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, the divergent views within its ranks highlight the challenges of formulating a cohesive foreign policy strategy. The international community watches closely, wary of any shifts that might undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty or alter the balance of power in the region.
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