As diplomatic channels remain strained, a new and unconventional backchannel is emerging in efforts to discuss a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. American businessman Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2025, a move facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin salman, and signaling Moscow’s willingness to explore choice lines of dialog. The planned meeting, which reportedly drew scrutiny from the Biden administration due to Witkoff’s decision to bypass conventional intelligence briefings, underscores the increasingly complex and unorthodox nature of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Moscow is reportedly preparing for a visit from American businessman Steve Witkoff in February 2025, a move that signals a potential backchannel effort to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expected to last approximately three and a half hours, comes as the Kremlin explores alternative avenues for negotiation. According to sources, Putin personally reviewed the backgrounds of envoys sent by former U.S. President Donald Trump to engage in talks with Moscow regarding a potential resolution to the war.
The invitation for Witkoff to meet with Putin was extended through Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the role of regional powers in facilitating communication between Washington and Moscow. This development underscores the increasingly complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Witkoff not following “Moscow Rules”
Initial attempts to utilize General Keith Kellogg, President Biden’s special envoy for Ukraine, were reportedly hampered by his family’s support for Ukrainian relief efforts, a potential conflict of interest for the Kremlin. As a result, Steve Witkoff has taken on a more prominent role in direct communication with Russian officials, alongside Kirill Dmitriev on the Russian side.
Dmitriev, who was born in Ukraine and educated in the United States, previously worked for American firms, including Goldman Sachs, before joining the Russian government following Putin’s rise to power. The shift in personnel comes as the U.S. and Russia navigate a period of strained relations, with established diplomatic channels diminished.
According to reports, the traditional structures and experienced personnel previously responsible for managing U.S.-Russia relations are now largely absent. The United States has been without an ambassador to Moscow since June, and the position of Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs remains unfilled.
The current reliance on businessmen to manage communication between Moscow and Washington represents a departure from established protocol. Sources indicate that Witkoff declined to seek guidance from the CIA prior to his planned visit to Moscow, asserting that Putin insisted on meeting with him directly.
“Putin told him he had to come alone,” the newspaper reported. While the State Department established a working group to support Witkoff, officials reportedly found it difficult to access information regarding his meetings.
Read also: See a list of 10 things you can gain before the end of 2025
For decades, American officials visiting Russia have been briefed on potential risks and protocols outlined in a document known as the “Moscow Rules.” Witkoff reportedly did not utilize this guidance.
A senior White House official told the newspaper that Witkoff is aware of concerns within the administration, but continues to travel with diplomatic security and participate in meetings with the National Security Council, the National Intelligence Agency, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Following his meetings with Putin, Witkoff reportedly contacts former President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Blinken via a secure line through the U.S. embassy in Moscow.
See also: Where is Poland buying weapons? We are a global phenomenon [MAP]
The newspaper noted that Witkoff has a history of conducting business with ruling families in the Middle East, which likely facilitated his contact with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who provided the invitation to the Kremlin.
According to the WSJ, Putin’s plan for the initial meeting with Witkoff, which took place in February in Moscow, was to assess his pro-Russia leanings. If the conversation went well, a gift was to be presented. American history teacher Marc Fogel, who was imprisoned in Russia, was released as a gesture of goodwill.
Kirill Dmitriev is Putin’s envoy for talks currently taking place in Miami this weekend. Shortly before arriving in Florida, Dmitriev addressed the Wall Street Journal article on X. The representative of Vladimir Putin accused the American newspaper of another attempt to sabotage peace efforts in Ukraine.
He argued that Marc Fogel was released at the request of the Americans, not as a “gift” to Witkoff for his positive engagement with Putin. He also denied reports that the Russian side requested Witkoff travel to the Kremlin without security, or that caviar was gifted to him by Russian officials.
Russian gift sent to Americans
Gifts are reportedly an important component of the business relationship being fostered between Moscow and Washington through the collaboration of Witkoff and Dmitriev. In December, following a sixth meeting with Putin, a Russian caviar producer sent Witkoff approximately 5 kg of red caviar. The newspaper noted that it is a mid-range product aiming to be marketed under the label “Trumpovka.” The White House denied these reports.
This is not the only product referencing the Trump administration. Following Witkoff’s visit to Moscow, Dmitriev posted a photo on X of a bottle of vodka featuring Trump’s image, set against the backdrop of Red Square with the slogan: “Make Vodka Great Again.”
