Staff Reports
Steve Witkoff, once a mere real estate mogul, has taken his talents to the international stage as he lands in Moscow to negotiate an end to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Appointed by Donald Trump as a special envoy, Witkoff’s latest diplomatic mission has conservatives hopeful that his ties with the former president could tilt the scales in favor of peace—albeit with a hefty dose of sarcasm about how a real estate guy is now expected to play global diplomat in a game guaranteed to involve far more than just square footage and a decent closing price.
Witkoff’s visit to Russia follows Ukraine’s agreement to a temporary ceasefire—a decision likely influenced by a little American persuasion. The White House is crossing its fingers that the Kremlin will join in, and it seems increasingly evident that Witkoff might be their best shot at convincing Vladimir Putin that war isn’t the best approach to problem-solving. After all, diplomatic finesse is often better mastered over a round of golf than in a military strategy session.
At 68 years young, Witkoff is not your typical envoy, previously more known for making deals in Miami than negotiating peace in Moscow. With no Senate confirmation required to accept his role, it’s a wonder why other real estate developers aren’t jumping at the chance for international escapades. Maybe too much paperwork? Or perhaps they just prefer selling condos over traversing missile silos.
Russia news agencies reported that Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Thursday for high-level talks aimed at ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the latest high-profile assignment for the real estate magnate turned White House… https://t.co/pw45lZE9gE
— Washington Times Local (@WashTimesLocal) March 13, 2025
A seasoned hand at negotiating—and bringing home Americans detained abroad—Witkoff was instrumental in a previous high-profile prisoner swap that secured the release of Marc Fogel, an American history teacher wrongfully imprisoned in Russia. It’s quite the journey: one moment he’s likely sipping a martini at his luxury firm in Florida, and the next he’s chatting with Russian officials about hostages and ceasefires. Although those who follow politics might wonder if his next pitch includes some prime oceanfront property.
The whirlwind of diplomatic activities isn’t limited to Ukraine, either. Witkoff is also heavily involved in negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza, which naturally has implications for broader Middle Eastern stability—or instability, depending on who’s offering tea and who’s busy launching rockets. With ties thick enough to rival a New York deli’s finest pastrami, Witkoff’s relationship with Trump shines through; they’ve gone from golf buddies to dealing with global turmoil, illustrating just how unpredictable politics can be.
As negotiations proceed, Witkoff’s latest proposal, fittingly named after him, is that Hamas releases half of their remaining hostages in exchange for peace initiatives. It’s a bold ask, one that could turn the tide if the parties involved were as invested in hostages as they are in maintaining their political stripes. It’s a game of chess, with real lives at stake, yet Witkoff seems to be navigating the board with the assurance one might expect from a real estate mogul with plenty of investment capital. Whether or not he emerges as a real player in the diplomacy leagues remains to be seen, but rest assured, this envoy is definitely making headlines as he trades golf clubs for peace talks.
