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Washington, 12 February – Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitkoff, personally took American Mark Vogel, who was convicted there, out of Russia, which may indicate a new path for negotiations between Washington and Moscow. This was reported by The New York Times (NYT), citing informed sources.
Trump’s secret mission?
The NYT writes that Trump secretly expanded Whitkoff’s powers by instructing him to establish contact with the Russian leadership, despite the official appointment of General Keith Kellogg as US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
Prior to his visit to Moscow, Whitkoff also held talks with close allies of Vladimir Putin, and previously discussed the war in Ukraine with representatives of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
What makes this case different?
– Whitkoff came to Moscow directly, not through an intermediary country.
– He personally contacted the Russian authorities beforeVogel’s release.
– This is the first time in recent times that a high-ranking American official has cometo Russia for talks.
White House reaction
The White House has confirmed the release of Mark Vogel, who was arrested in 2021 for transporting medical marijuana. Adviser to the US President Mike Waltz said:
“President Trump, Steve Whitkoff and his advisers have been negotiating this exchange. This is a demonstration of goodwill on the part of Russia and a sign that we are moving in the right direction to end this cruel and horrific war in Ukraine.”
AFP confirmed that Whitkoff and Vogel flew out of Russia with Vogel on board the plane, leaving Russian airspace.
What does this mean?
According to the NYT, this case may be the first step towards a new negotiation format between the US and Russia, which will affect not only further prisoner exchanges but also the future of the war in Ukraine. Whether this channel will become the main one remains to be seen.
