Witkoff Foolishly Relied on Kremlin-Provided Interpreter During Talks with Putin
Steve Witkoff, a Trump-appointed U.S. envoy with no formal diplomatic experience, has come under scrutiny after bypassing standard protocol by using a Kremlin-provided interpreter during sensitive meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising alarm among foreign policy experts and former officials.
Witkoff, a real estate developer turned envoy, relied on Natalia Koshkina — an interpreter with longstanding ties to Russian intelligence circles — during high-level discussions.
During his visit to Moscow, Witkoff asked the Kremlin officials whether Koshkina “was from the Embassy.” He did not specify which Embassy and proceeded to sit down with Koshkina.
Koshkina has previously worked with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served at Russia’s NATO mission, and was affiliated with state-backed broadcaster RT, known for disseminating pro-Kremlin propaganda.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul criticized the move, warning that the absence of a U.S. interpreter eliminated any independent verification of what was said or agreed upon.
“This kind of arrangement leaves the U.S. side open to miscommunication, manipulation, and outright misinformation,” McFaul said.
The protocol breach comes at a delicate moment in international diplomacy. Peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia remain frozen, with little indication that Moscow is willing to compromise. Putin has continued to push maximalist demands, including Ukraine’s withdrawal from four Russian-occupied regions and a formal renunciation of NATO membership — conditions Kyiv has flatly rejected.
Witkoff’s meetings are reportedly part of unofficial efforts to reopen dialogue, but analysts say his approach may undermine U.S. credibility and leave Washington vulnerable to Kremlin influence.
The optics and the risks here are not just about diplomacy — they’re about national security,” said a senior intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Using a Russian-supplied interpreter with links to intelligence services is unthinkable in any serious negotiation setting.
The White House has not publicly commented on the matter, but bipartisan concern is mounting in Washington as questions swirl around the nature and goals of Witkoff’s involvement.
Meanwhile, Putin has rejected the unconditional ceasefire ultimatum put forward by European leaders with the U.S.’s support. Still, Europe doesn’t have enough weapons to substitute for America’s aid.