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As the world watches Russia's next move over the US-proposed ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, one man has become essential to Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts in Moscow - Steve Witkoff. He's far from a typical diplomat, and his selection for this role has raised many eyebrows.
Named initially as Mr. Trump’s Middle East envoy shortly after the US election, Steve Witcoff has since been central to negotiations with Russia concerning the Ukraine conflict.
His surprising visit to Moscow last month resulted in the release of American teacher Marc Fogel from prison, seemingly cementing his status as the US leader’s primary geopolitical negotiator.
Latest on Ukraine War: Updates
Despite not being the country’s top diplomat, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio or the initially assigned US envoy for Russia-Ukraine peace talks, Keith Kellogg, Mr. Witkoff was chosen by Mr. Trump for his mission to Moscow.
So, who is Steve Witkoff, and how pivotal will he be in the US’s efforts to foster peace between Russia and Ukraine?
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From New York real estate to the Oval Office
Mr. Witkoff was born in the Bronx, New York, and after training as a lawyer in real estate, he ventured into property development.
In the 1990s, he established the Witkoff Group, which owns multiple properties in New York, including the Park Lane Hotel and The Woolworth Building. Like Mr. Trump, he involved his family in his company, with his wife, Lauren Rappoport, and their sons, Zach and Alexander, who serves as co-chief executive.
As of 2019, the Witkoff Group owned nearly 50 properties worldwide.
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‘My dear friend President Trump’
Mr. Witkoff has had a decades-long relationship with Mr. Trump, initially meeting him through a New York real estate company where Mr. Trump was a client.
Remaining close, they bonded over golf, described by US Senator Lindsey Graham as “longtime golf buddies.” Mr. Witkoff was present at Mr. Trump’s course in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September, during a second apparent assassination attempt on Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Witkoff back in 2018. Pic: AP
Despite being golf rivals, Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Trump align politically, with Mr. Witkoff donating to the Republican Party during the 2024 election and speaking at the Republican National Convention, where he praised Mr. Trump’s foreign policy initiatives.
Despite his pivotal role in negotiations, there is criticism of Mr. Witkoff’s approach, especially regarding his support for Mr. Trump’s proposals to “develop” Gaza and his private meeting with President Putin, where he claimed to have developed a “friendship.”
Speaking about his relationship with Mr. Putin, he mentioned developing a friendship through extensive conversations. However, the content of these discussions has not been disclosed, raising questions about transparency and motives. Despite this, Mr. Witkoff’s involvement in diplomatic efforts remains significant and contentious in the realm of international relations.
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