US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, whose portfolio has expanded to encompass Ukraine, suggested that the war there wasn’t “necessary” provoked by the Kremlin.

Before Trump returned to the White House, Witkoff was his political adviser, fundraiser and golfing buddy. In testimony at Trump’s 2023 New York civil fraud trial, Witkoff said the pair’s friendship began in 1986 when he bought Trump a sandwich at a deli after Trump forgot his wallet.

U.S. sees President Vladimir Putin as a "great competitor" and "adversary" as it works to secure a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

The meeting is meant to pave the way for a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Top U.S. and Russian officials have had their most extensive high-level engagement since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine almost three years ago. They met for four hours Tuesday before President

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS: When US President Donald Trump wanted someone to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to open negotiations ... golf buddy and billionaire real estate developer Steve Witkoff. The president has made Witkoff his Middle East ...