Steve Witkoff, a key figure in Donald Trump’s administration, found himself in an unusual situation during a recent trip to Moscow. Known as Trump’s "fixer," Witkoff was sent to deliver a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine. However, upon arriving in Moscow, he was made to wait for an astonishing eight hours before he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Witkoff’s visit took place on a Thursday, shortly after discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. He arrived in the Russian capital around lunchtime, but his wait extended for hours as Putin was occupied with Belarusian leader Aleksander Lukashenko, who had a last-minute meeting scheduled. This delay raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as a deliberate show of power by Putin.
After a long wait, Witkoff was finally granted an audience with Putin late in the evening. The exact details of their conversation remain unclear, but it is widely believed that Putin made it clear he would only agree to a ceasefire if Russia’s demands were met. These demands include maintaining control over the territories Russia has seized and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO.
Witkoff’s quick visit to Moscow lasted just over 12 hours, during which he spent most of his time waiting. As he left the airport, it seemed he did not depart with any formal agreement from Putin, but rather with a list of demands that would need to be addressed back in the U.S.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension in international relations and the complex dynamics at play between the U.S. and Russia. It also underscores the challenges faced by U.S. officials in negotiating peace in a conflict that shows no signs of resolution. As Witkoff returns to the U.S., all eyes will be on Trump to see how he responds to the demands laid out by Putin.