White House May Reduce Witkoff, Kushner Role in Ukraine Talks
The White House is considering reducing the role of the US President's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the son-in-law of the US leader, Jared Kushner, in negotiations over Ukraine, according to the Financial Times citing sources.
Consensus
- The White House is considering reducing the role of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in negotiations related to Ukraine.
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe is being considered for a more prominent role in Ukraine-related diplomacy.
- President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on the matter.
- Steve Witkoff is expected to retain his position as special envoy for peacekeeping missions, including those in the Middle East.
- Witkoff may continue to participate in Ukraine-related efforts alongside Ratcliffe.
- There is reportedly a conflict between Witkoff and Ratcliffe over responsibilities.
- Jared Kushner expressed interest in focusing on diplomatic efforts related to Gaza and the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
- U.S. officials met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in late August and early September.
- Putin and Trump positively assessed the visits by Witkoff and Kushner during a phone call on September 8.
- The White House denied that any discussions about changing the negotiation team were taking place.
Points of divergence
- The White House has not discussed replacing the negotiation team, and the claim is a fake. — vedomosti
- Ratcliffe was secretly sent to Moscow by Trump on August 25, and some White House officials were unaware of the mission. — vedomosti
- Russia expressed dissatisfaction with Witkoff and was open to a new approach from Washington. — kommerant
- The stalled peace process is attributed to the U.S.-Iran conflict. — kommerant
Coverage (2 sources)
- FT: White House may reduce role of Whitaker and Kushner in Ukraine talks — Ведомости
- FT: White House may cut Whitaker's role in Ukraine talks — Коммерсантъ
Key entities
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