«President Donald Trump’s unexpected summit in Anchorage with Russian President Vladimir Putin could have been a signature achievement for Steve Witkoff, the developer-turned-diplomat who facilitated the meeting», reports Politico in its publication.
Read: Ukrainian officials will have talks with Steve Witkoff in the US
«However, promises for follow-up meetings between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have not materialized, ceasefire demands have been withdrawn, threats of tough action have disappeared, and Trump’s team has not offered a clear path forward», the report continues.
“Witkoff part of the problem”
Politico reports that frustrated American, Ukrainian and European officials say part of the problem is the “go-it-alone” style of Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for peace missions and Ukraine negotiator.
He has reportedly refused to consult experts and allies, sometimes fails to brief Trump and leaves him unprepared in other cases, according to seven people familiar with internal discussions. Two even told Politico that he doesn’t understand what’s happening.
Politico also notes that Trump’s unconventional “middleman” has met with Putin five times in six months, but has yet to translate his contacts with the Russian leader into any significant development on Ukraine.
«There were many obstacles to the Anchorage summit producing results – Putin’s unwillingness to make significant concessions to end his war against Ukraine was the main one, but many of those familiar with Witkoff’s role in negotiations with Russia say he has made the talks more difficult», the same analysis emphasizes.
