In the midst of ongoing international negotiations over the war in Ukraine, one unlikely figure has emerged at the forefront of diplomatic efforts — Steve Witkoff. Initially appointed as Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Witkoff has since become a key player in the high-stakes negotiations aimed at brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. This shift in focus has positioned the 67-year-old businessman as one of the US president’s primary geopolitical negotiators, with his latest trip to Moscow fueling speculation about his increasing influence in the region.
Witkoff’s involvement with Russia dates back to a surprise mission to Moscow last month, during which he succeeded in securing the release of US citizen Marc Fogel. Following this success, he is set to meet again with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week, though the Kremlin has yet to officially confirm these talks. Witkoff’s rise as a trusted intermediary between the US and Russia raises questions about his background and what makes him a unique figure in these critical discussions.
From Real Estate Mogul to Diplomatic Intermediary
Born in the Bronx, New York, Witkoff initially trained as a lawyer before moving into the realm of property development. In the 1990s, he founded the Witkoff Group, a real estate company that now owns numerous prestigious properties, including the iconic Park Lane Hotel and The Woolworth Building in New York City. His company’s portfolio extends globally, with nearly 50 properties in the US and abroad as of 2019.
Much like Trump, Witkoff has involved his family in the business, with his wife, Lauren Rappoport, and their sons, Zach and Alexander, playing key roles within the company. Witkoff’s family ties to his enterprise echo Trump’s own business model, underscoring the close-knit nature of both men’s professional operations.
A Longstanding Relationship with Trump
Witkoff and Donald Trump share a decades-long friendship that began in the world of New York real estate. Their bond was further solidified through a mutual love of golf, with Senator Lindsey Graham famously describing them as “longtime golf buddies.” Despite their friendly rivalry on the greens, their political alignment has always been clear, with Witkoff offering staunch support for Trump, particularly during the 2024 election cycle.
Witkoff’s political views align with Trump’s “America First” agenda, which emphasizes reducing the financial burden on other nations and rejecting “blank checks” for international aid. In fact, Witkoff was a prominent speaker at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he expressed his longstanding admiration for Trump, referring to him as a “true and dear friend.”
Key Role in Middle East Negotiations
Witkoff’s diplomatic career took a significant turn after Trump’s 2024 election win. Initially brought in to support Trump’s Middle East initiatives, Witkoff was soon thrust into negotiations surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He played a pivotal role in securing the January ceasefire deal, which allowed for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Despite his success, Witkoff’s approach to foreign policy has drawn both praise and criticism. Sources close to the negotiations have described him as a compassionate yet tough negotiator, noting his ability to empathize with parents who have lost children on both sides of the conflict. His personal connection to tragedy—his son Andrew died of an OxyContin overdose in 2011—has given him a unique perspective on the human cost of conflict.
Rising Influence Amid Growing Scrutiny
While Witkoff’s approach has garnered some respect, his growing influence has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns over his recent statements about his personal relationship with Vladimir Putin, particularly after his first private meeting with the Russian leader last month. Witkoff has publicly stated that he developed a “friendship” with Putin during their three-hour conversation, though the details of their discussion remain under wraps.
Witkoff’s comments, along with Trump’s unexpected proposal to “develop” Gaza into a luxury destination—a plan that some critics decry as a form of ethnic cleansing—have sparked significant backlash. Yet, despite the criticism, Witkoff’s role in high-stakes diplomacy continues to expand, with some viewing him as a pragmatic, albeit unconventional, diplomat.
As peace talks between Russia and Ukraine continue to unfold, the world will be watching closely to see what role Witkoff plays in shaping the future of US foreign policy and international relations.
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