New York real estate promoter who has become diplomatic emissary, Steve Witkoff multiplies back and forth in conflict zones. This close close to Donald Trump, without any geopolitical experience, is now responsible for the most sensitive negotiations in the White House.
From real estate to power corridors
Nothing intended Steve Witkoff for diplomacy. Born in 1957 in the Bronx, a graduate of Hofstra University, he first distinguished himself as business lawyer. In 1997, he founded the Witkoff Groupa real estate company that quickly thrives in New York. The businessman uses his wife there and one of his sons. His empire is now estimated at 900 million euros.
Witkoff’s life takes a personal turn in 2011with the loss of his son Andrew, victim of an overdose at 22 years old. He then moved to Florida, Not far from Donald Trump’s residence. Both share their passion for golf and a pronounced taste for business.
Their relationship dates back to 1986, during a first ” real estate deal“. Since then, the two men have continued to get closer. In 2023 Witkoff testified in favor of Trump, accused of fraud in New York. In September 2024, he was present during Assasin’s attempt against the Republican candidate. An event that definitively seals their proximity.
An omnipresent diplomat
On November 12, 2024, a few days after his re -election, Donald Trump names Steve Witkoff Special emissary for the Middle East. A surprise, as the man is foreign to diplomatic cogs. And yet he is immediately plunged into the most sensitive files : ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, indirect discussion between the United States and Iran and especially the war in Ukraine.
From his first weeks, he participated in talks in Doha sur Gaza. His direct style, deemed unconventional by career diplomats, seduces some, irritates others. But the White House assumes itTrump defends him.
This Wednesday, he arrived in Moscow. A qualified visit of “important By the services of Vladimir Putin, less than 48 hours from the ultimatum launched by Trump in the Kremlin. Stop military operations in Ukraine or undergo a wave of economic sanctions.
Witkoff has already met Putin four times. But at kyiv, he is perceived with distrust.Troping conciliatory, too close naive. Some Ukrainian officials even nicknamed it “stupid idiot For the Kremlin.
An important mission
Trump’s ultimatum provides customs sanctions against Russian exports. But also against countries that buy its oil, as India or the China.
NW Delhi has already protested. The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs judges these threats ” unjustified and unreasonable“. He recalls that the United States itself had encouraged these purchases in 2022 to stabilize world markets. Beijing, for its part remains silent but could be heard in the event of secondary sanctions.
War in Ukraine: Trump’s emissary, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow https://t.co/6vul1vu9sh pic.twitter.com/fx1ofhjx8j
– RFI (@rfi) August 6, 2025
In this tense context, Steve Witkoff plays a delicate card. He must convince Moscow without triggering a global crisis. Some analysts doubt their capacities. Others believe that he could ” give body to the American threat“. Everything will depend on the outcome of the exchanges this Wednesday.
According to diplomatic sources, Moscow could offer A moratorium on air raids. And this, in exchange for a postponement of sanctions. A minimal gesture, but which would offer a political outcome in the face of the dead end.
Witkoff’s journey remains atypical, Its effectiveness subject to debate. But in the Trumpian universe, it is often loyalty more than the expertise that opens the doors of power.
