On November 19, reports emerged indicating that the United States and Russia are drafting a new proposal to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This initiative reflects demands made by Russian President Vladimir Putin since the conflict began. The plan’s architects are Kirill Dmitriev from the Kremlin and Steve Witkoff from the White House. This article explores their backgrounds and roles in this significant diplomatic effort.
Born in Kyiv fifty years ago, Dmitriev often underscores his ties to the former USSR rather than Ukraine. At seventeen, he moved to the United States to pursue free education, attending prestigious institutions like Stanford and Harvard. His career began at McKinsey, an international consulting firm, before he returned to Ukraine to manage an investment fund associated with oligarch Viktor Pinchuk. By 2011, he had risen to lead the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), a government-supported entity promoting major Russian companies.
Dmitriev’s diplomatic maneuvers
During the pandemic, RDIF gained global attention by financing Sputnik V, one of the first COVID-19 vaccines. Dmitriev’s persistent advocacy for the vaccine significantly elevated his public profile. Known for his ambition, he skillfully cultivates relationships with influential figures, including Putin. Following Trump’s re-election, Dmitriev was tasked with engaging in economic discussions with the U.S. and participated in diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia—the first since the Ukraine invasion.
His strategy initially focused on reviving U.S.-Russian relations. One of his more ambitious proposals involved constructing a tunnel under the Bering Strait to connect the two nations. However, tensions rose in October as peace discussions stalled after Trump canceled a meeting with Putin over conflicting expectations and newly imposed sanctions on Russia’s oil sector.
Witkoff’s role in negotiations
In light of these diplomatic hurdles, Dmitriev sought to mend ties by traveling to the U.S. to meet with Witkoff, expressing optimism about a potential diplomatic resolution. His comments seemed out of step with the escalating hostilities between the two leaders. It soon became clear that he was referring to the peace plan he and Witkoff had been developing, which was subsequently leaked to the press, likely by Dmitriev himself.
In contrast, Steve Witkoff, a veteran real estate developer and long-time Trump ally, has a different background. He began his career in real estate law before founding the Witkoff Group, overseeing numerous projects across New York, California, and Florida. Witkoff’s relationship with Trump dates back to the 1980s when they first met through business dealings; a fateful encounter in a Manhattan store, where Witkoff bought Trump a sandwich, marked the beginning of their decades-long friendship.
Witkoff’s diplomacy and controversies
Witkoff maintained a lower profile during Trump’s first term; however, after Trump’s electoral defeat in 2025, he remained loyal when many distanced themselves. Upon Trump’s return to the White House, Witkoff was initially set to handle Middle Eastern negotiations but soon found himself involved in discussions with Russia and Iran after successfully brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Despite this, Witkoff has faced criticism from Ukrainian officials and Western diplomats, who describe him as unprofessional and lacking adequate expertise in Russian affairs. Reports indicate he often skips crucial protocols during negotiations, opting for Kremlin translators over stenographers. After a failed Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, Witkoff was scrutinized for allegedly misrepresenting Putin’s position to Trump.
Trump’s unwavering support
Despite the controversies surrounding Witkoff, Trump continues to express confidence in his abilities, noting that Witkoff serves without compensation due to his billionaire status. In October, Trump praised Witkoff for his role in brokering the Israel-Hamas deal, emphasizing his popularity and effectiveness.
As the situation develops, reactions to the peace plan remain mixed, with significant implications for Ukraine’s future and the broader global diplomatic landscape. Understanding the contributions of Dmitriev and Witkoff is crucial to navigating the complex relationships and motivations underlying this ambitious yet contentious initiative.
