Steve Witkoff Leaves Ukraine Talks to Join Trump–Putin Phone Call
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly left a meeting with Ukrainian and European negotiators in Miami on Friday to join a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to The New York Times.
The meeting, held at Witkoff’s golf club, was scheduled to last two days. Discussions reportedly focused on potential future peace negotiations with Russia, Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, and the question of territorial control.
According to the newspaper, Witkoff interrupted the discussions to participate in the call between Trump and Putin.
Shortly after the conversation, Trump announced an agreement with Putin concerning Russian diesel supplies. The talks with the Ukrainian delegation subsequently ended earlier than planned.
The development raises questions about Washington’s diplomatic priorities as it seeks to negotiate with Moscow while maintaining discussions with Kyiv and its European partners.
The key question is whether direct U.S.–Russia negotiations could shape the future of Ukraine peace talks and influence decisions over the country’s territory and European ambitions.