The Trump administration has deployed an unconventional diplomatic team to address the Ukraine crisis, relying on individuals whose expertise lies in real estate rather than traditional foreign policy. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both from the property development world, are now at the forefront of efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia.
This approach reflects Trump’s preference for dealmaking skills over diplomatic convention. Witkoff, serving as special envoy, and Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, previously collaborated on a 20-point proposal that achieved a ceasefire in Gaza, demonstrating their capacity to navigate complex international disputes despite their non-traditional backgrounds.
The pair spent the weekend in Florida meeting with Ukrainian military and government officials, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their discussions focused on refining a peace framework that has undergone significant changes since its initial 28-point iteration. The revised approach attempts to address Ukrainian concerns while remaining palatable to Russian leadership.
Witkoff and Kushner are scheduled to travel to Moscow this week for direct discussions with Vladimir Putin. Their mission involves presenting the modified peace plan and gauging Russian willingness to accept terms that differ from earlier proposals heavily weighted toward Moscow’s preferences. This high-stakes diplomatic mission will test whether their dealmaking acumen translates to geopolitical conflict resolution.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism about the American approach, describing it as “constructive.” However, the ongoing violence—with Russian attacks killing civilians in Kyiv and surrounding areas—serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake. The success or failure of Witkoff and Kushner’s mission could determine whether diplomacy can replace the devastating warfare that has defined the conflict for years.