Marta Gichko11:44, 18.11.25

Brussels doubts that Trump’s envoy even understands what he is negotiating with Putin.

European officials were stunned by the lack of understanding of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the part of Steve Witkoff , US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, whom the American leader personally dispatched to negotiate with dictator Vladimir Putin.

According to Politico , Brussels was surprised by Witkoff’s “lack of understanding of the intricacies of the Russian-Ukrainian war.” One senior European official told the publication that he was unsure of his ability to “reliably and accurately convey messages between Moscow and Washington.” This is why European leaders are seeking to communicate directly with Trump more often.

The publication emphasizes that Witkoff has no diplomatic experience.

“Instead of relying on the once-powerful US diplomatic machine, Trump sent his friend – a lawyer and developer – to negotiate with Putin and represent him in the Middle East,” the article says.

Against this backdrop, the American diplomatic corps is rapidly shrinking. In July alone, the State Department dismissed more than 1,300 employees, and as of October 23, 85 of the 195 ambassadorial positions remained vacant.Read also:

Vitkoff’s visits to Russia

Despite his lack of experience, Whitkoff has already visited Russia five times as US envoy in 2025. Trump himself admitted in October that during his first visit to Moscow, his emissary “knew almost nothing” about Russia, Putin, or politics.

Ukraine, Europe, and Russia were disappointed by the negotiations between Vitkoff and Putin . Politico wrote in August that the problem was partly due to the working style of Trump’s special envoy and chief negotiator on Ukraine. Specifically, he refuses to consult with experts, which sometimes makes him appear incompetent. The publication’s sources also said he views the war in Ukraine through the prism of real estate—as a land dispute.

(C)UNIAN 2025