The problem is not just Russia. Witkoff and Rubio themselves have different views on Ukraine

US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is conducting negotiations with Ukrainians and Russians, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have completely different views on how to end Russia's war with Ukraine, the website of the US station NBC reported on Monday.

Donald Trump's envoy and the Department of State have divergent visions not only on Ukraine, but also on security issues, and some of Witkoff's actions are perceived as an attempt to bypass Rubio, the portal noted.

There has been a long-standing rift between these two representatives of the US administration, the station noted.

– It seems that they are singing to a different note – says former US ambassador to NATO and Russia Alexander Vershbow. – If there is no common understanding of the problems and the opponent during negotiations, nothing good can come out of it – he added.

Witkoff, wanting to quickly conclude a deal with Russia on Trump's orders, is pushing through proposals that oblige Ukraine to make concessions, give up territory and accept the risk to its future security, NBC reports.

In turn, Rubio and some other administration officials advocate greater economic and military pressure on Russia to force Vladimir Putin to make concessions and guarantee a secure future for Ukraine.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott assures that there are no cracks between Rubio and Witkoff, they maintain close working contacts and are friends.

Rubio himself, during Friday's press conference, also assured that “no one is acting independently”, “everything is highly coordinated”, and called Witkoff “an amazing person, very smart, very talented.” He also noted that Witkoff does not receive remuneration for the work he performs.

In addition to disagreements over the peace process, there is also disagreement between Witkoff and State Department officials on security issues, especially during the envoy's trip to Russia.

According to five current and former U.S. officials, Witkoff is perceived as having a lax approach to security issues, raising concerns that he may use unsecured means of communication that could expose him to eavesdropping on his conversations.

From Washington Natalia Dziurdzińska (PAP)

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