Witkoff and Kushner lack clear mandate, track record
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner (Photo: Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS)
U.S. President Donald Trump’s point men for all things
foreign, Steve
Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, do not have clearly defined
authority or any notable successes in international negotiations, Ukrainian political
scientist and IR expert Maksym Nesvitaylov said on Aug. 5.
“These special envoys are essentially overseers appointed by their patron — individuals with unclear experience and unclear powers,” Nesvitaylov told NV Radio.
“The United States has a secretary of state … and ambassadors in various countries. Their roles and authorities are clearly defined. But there are Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner …, who travel the world and make deals. It’s unclear on what authority they do this or how any agreements with them are backed up. They really have no achievements if you look at the entire period of Trump’s [second] term.”
He added that the diplomatic efforts Witkoff and Kushner have undertaken have failed, yet they continue to represent Trump in international talks because “that’s the way the game is now.”
Earlier, RFE/RL reported that Witkoff and Kushner are likely
to visit Kyiv in the second half of August during events marking the 35th
anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
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