Steve Witkoff's Role in Putin-Trump Communications and Ukraine Peace Talks

Witkoff's Suggestion to Putin

• 💡 Steve Witkoff suggested to Putin that he call Trump before Trump's meeting with Zelensky, a conversation that occurred days before the meeting.
• 🎯 This suggestion was made with "malice and forethought," aiming to influence Trump's consideration of providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
• ⚠️ Witkoff is described as naive about Russia, believing Putin genuinely wants peace, which is contrasted with Putin's actual desire for Ukraine's capitulation.

Diplomatic Strategy and Naivete

• 🧠 Witkoff is seen as not equipped for his role, lacking deep understanding of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and not utilizing expertise from the US embassy in Moscow or the State Department.
• 🗣️ Despite being instructed by Trump to secure a deal, Witkoff's actions, like suggesting Putin call Trump, are viewed as potentially throwing "sand in the wheels of diplomacy."
• 🇺🇦 There's an assertion that Witkoff has never been to Ukraine and likely hasn't spoken with Ukrainian officials, highlighting a potential disconnect from the reality on the ground.

The Core Conflict and Potential Resolution

• 💥 The fundamental issue is identified as Russia wanting to eliminate Ukraine, while Ukraine wants to exist, presenting a situation with no room for compromise.
• 📝 A new US government policy, a 19-point plan, has been agreed upon by Ukrainians, Americans, and Europeans, replacing a previous 28-point Russian proposal.
• 🤝 The challenge now is to get Putin to the negotiating table, which requires pressure on Putin to convince him he cannot win.

Trump's Leverage and Motivation

• ⚡ Trump is believed to possess leverage over Putin, evidenced by Putin's concern over potential Tomahawk missile provision and past sanctions.
• 💰 Trump's primary motivation is seen as wanting to stop the killing and achieve a deal that leaves Ukraine sovereign, rather than a concern for the global order or a moral imperative.
• 🗓️ The hope is that Trump will use his leverage to push for the 19-point plan, potentially securing a prize for himself by ending the conflict.

Moving Forward with Diplomacy

• 🇺🇸 Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Rubio is credited with unifying US policy and bringing together disparate threads by involving Europeans and Ukrainians in the 19-point plan.
• 🤝 There is hope that Witkoff will take this unified document to Putin, and Secretary of the Army Driscoll will take it to the Ukrainians, ensuring all parties work from the same framework.
• ⚠️ However, faith in Witkoff is questioned, though the belief remains that Trump wants the deal done and will push Witkoff to achieve it.