An attempt by Politico to amplify differences in the U.S. administration between President Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio—at a time when they are apparently working more closely together than expected on the peace deal for Ukraine—was strongly slapped down by both of them. There’s no doubt that Witkoff has had the benefit of direct and extended deliberation with both Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, and President Vladimir Putin; but Rubio, not one averse to playing the “blame Moscow” card, acknowledged that recent discussions with Moscow have, in fact, allowed the U.S. to understand what their concerns are.
Politico yesterday cited five people “familiar with the discussions” alleging that Witkoff has been the main proponent of lifting sanctions on the Russo-German Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and other Russian assets. He has “directed his team to draw up a list of all of the energy sanctions that the United States has placed on Russia as part of the effort,” according to two of the five. Another person said that, while Witkoff’s proposals have not found much traction in the White House, Rubio has tried to derail them. “This is not a cake in the oven being baked, though the ingredients are being assembled,” one person claimed.
