Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, has openly declared that he has developed a “friendship” with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This revelation came after an undisclosed overnight trip to Moscow, allegedly to secure the release of US citizen Mark Fogel. Witkoff’s remarks, reported by Sky News and UNN, hint at a growing alignment between Trump’s inner circle and the Kremlin.
The secret trip, which took place last week, appears to be a pivotal moment in reshaping relations between the Trump administration and Russia. Witkoff, speaking at an investment forum in Miami hosted by Saudi Arabia, recounted his experience negotiating in Moscow, stating that he had “spent a lot of time with Putin” and developed a relationship with him.
Key Details of Witkoff’s Trip
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Person involved | Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy |
| Purpose | Securing the release of Mark Fogel |
| Location | Moscow, Russia |
| Outcome | Witkoff claims to have developed a friendship with Putin |
Despite the secrecy surrounding the trip, Witkoff credited the success of the mission to Trump’s backing and Saudi involvement. He emphasised that he had full support from President Trump and stated that Saudi Arabia played a crucial role in facilitating the operation.
The US-Saudi-Russia connection was further solidified through high level discussions in Riyadh, where additional talks took place between American and Russian officials following Witkoff’s visit to Moscow.
Trump’s Influence on Ukraine War Negotiations
Witkoff’s comments align with Trump’s controversial stance on the war in Ukraine. He echoed Trump’s view that he has a “sharp sense” of what is necessary to achieve lasting peace, a position widely criticised for favouring Russian interests.
| Key Statements from Witkoff | Implications |
|---|---|
| “I spent a lot of time with Putin. I talked to him and developed a friendship.” | Indicates close ties between Trump’s circle and the Kremlin. |
| “I had the support of President Trump, which is a really big deal.” | Suggests Trump personally backed the outreach to Russia. |
| “The Saudis assured us it was real… so we went.” | Highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating US-Russia negotiations. |
Witkoff also supported Trump’s criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, agreeing with Trump’s claim that he has a superior understanding of how to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.
