Witkoff Says Trump Peace Board Will Be “Game-Changing”

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s close associate, presented U.S. diplomacy as simultaneously ambitious and constrained, acknowledging active wars while arguing that engagement remains possible. Speaking to Bloomberg in Davos, Witkoff said Trump’s efforts would be “game-changing for the world,” framing current talks as part of a broader attempt to reshape conflict management across more than one theater.

Witkoff’s comments come as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues and tensions with Iran remain unresolved, while his posture reflects a dual-track approach: recognize violence as ongoing, while insisting channels remain open.

Asked directly about Russian strikes on critical infrastructure that have left large numbers of Ukrainians without power and heat, Witkoff did not dispute the facts of the fighting. “They’re in a war and so they’re shooting at each other,” he said. “And we don’t condone that. We think it’s unfortunate. That’s why we are trying to stop it.”

The emphasis seemed to be on acknowledgment rather than justification, reflecting a careful effort to avoid assigning operational blame - particularly toward President Vladimir Putin - while keeping diplomatic channels open and preserving the appearance of engagement.

“Suffering on Both Sides”

Witkoff stressed the humanitarian dimension of the conflict, noting that “people are suffering on both sides.” He added, “It’s cold there. And not to have heat is terrible.” The remarks place civilian hardship at the center of his argument, even as military operations persist on more than one front.

Witkoff also pointed to recent diplomatic signals from Moscow as evidence of engagement. “The Russians have invited us to come, and that’s a significant statement from them,” he said, adding that Kirill Dmitriev had been in Washington working on this with them. For Witkoff, these interactions seemingly suggest momentum, as he assumed “everybody is embedded in the process and wants to see a peace deal happen.”

The claim reflects an emphasis on process with one stated objective: a negotiated settlement, even as the war continues.

Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to meet Witkoff tomorrow, a meeting that comes despite continued attacks on energy infrastructure across Ukraine.

Parallel Track on Iran

Alongside Ukraine, Witkoff addressed Iran in a seemingly conditional message rather than escalatory. “Iran needs to change its ways. They need to do that,” he said. “And if they do, if they indicate that they’re willing to do that, I think we can diplomatically settle this.”

Witkoff framed diplomacy as viable if Tehran initiates change, but that message is sharply undermined by President Trump’s renewed contemplation of military strikes and the visible buildup of U.S. forces in the Indian Ocean.