The Last-Ditch Diplomats: Trump’s Desperate Bid for Peace in Ukraine

The United States’ latest effort to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is being led by Steve Witkoff, a special envoy with no discernible background in international relations, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law. According to President Trump, their mission seems more like a long shot than a carefully crafted diplomatic effort.

The fact that the itinerary for their trip has been “in flux” suggests that the administration is struggling to develop a coherent plan to achieve its goals. Initially, Witkoff and Kushner had planned to travel to Moscow before heading to Kyiv, but even this basic schedule was subject to change at the last minute.

This latest development raises more questions than answers about the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict in Ukraine. Despite numerous diplomatic efforts over the past few years, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s recent visit to Moscow, little progress has been made towards ending the war. Western intelligence officials are skeptical that Russian President Vladimir Putin is genuinely interested in negotiating a settlement, while Ukrainian intelligence believes he is more likely to escalate tensions.

The stakes are high for Witkoff and Kushner as they embark on their mission. Their failure could be seen as a major embarrassment for the Trump administration, which has already faced criticism for its handling of the conflict. On the other hand, if they do manage to broker a deal, it would be a significant coup for the White House and a much-needed boost to Trump’s reputation.

However, there is also a more cynical reading of this development: that Witkoff and Kushner are merely being used as pawns in a larger game. As outsiders with no direct experience in international diplomacy, they may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to navigate the complex web of relationships between Russia, Ukraine, and the West.

The Trump administration’s attempts to settle the war in Ukraine are hampered by its own internal divisions and a lack of clear strategy. Despite the best efforts of envoys like Witkoff and Kushner, progress has been slow and sporadic at best. In this context, it is easy to see why many observers believe that Putin is more interested in maintaining the status quo than negotiating a settlement.

Furthermore, Witkoff’s numerous trips to Moscow but lack of visit to Ukraine raise questions about his suitability for this role and whether he truly understands the complexities of the conflict. This disconnect from the needs and concerns of the Ukrainian people could undermine his effectiveness as a diplomat.

The human cost of the war in Ukraine cannot be overstated: thousands of civilians have been killed or displaced, and the conflict continues to drag on with no clear end in sight. Any diplomatic effort must be judged not just by its success or failure but also by its impact on the people affected by the conflict.

As Witkoff and Kushner navigate this treacherous landscape, it remains to be seen whether they will emerge with a viable peace deal or merely add another chapter to the long and bloody history of the conflict. The stakes are high, and the players involved are complex, making it difficult not to feel a sense of skepticism about this latest attempt at brokering peace in Ukraine.