President Trump appointed businessman Steven Witkoff as his Middle East envoy despite Witkoff's lack of diplomatic experience. His ability to facilitate a cease-fire deal in Gaza impressed Trump. Recently, Trump's confidence in Witkoff led to his appointment as a personal envoy to Vladimir Putin amid efforts to realign U.S.-Russia relations. This meeting comes after an earlier session helped secure the release of an American prisoner. However, some experts are concerned that Witkoff may struggle with the complexities of engaging Putin, known for his manipulative tactics.
Many foreign officials had never heard of Mr. Witkoff, a billionaire New York real estate developer who has known Mr. Trump since the mid-1980s.
Engaging Mr. Putin is an assignment that would make even a seasoned diplomat take a deep breath.
Mr. Trump was impressed by Mr. Witkoff's ability to help the outgoing Biden administration seal a temporary cease-fire deal in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Some experts and diplomats who know Mr. Putin fear that Mr. Witkoff may be in over his head.
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