NBC: Witkoff, Rubio clash over sudden trips, security lapses in Russia-Ukraine talks

Rifts within the U.S. administration are emerging over the handling of peace negotiations in Ukraine, as billionaire envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio appear to clash over both strategy and security, NBC writes.

According to multiple current and former U.S. officials, Witkoff, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, has pursued a high-speed, independent approach to diplomacy, including trips to Russia and the Middle East aboard his private plane.

These actions have reportedly alarmed some U.S. officials who see them as sidelining traditional diplomatic channels. In one instance, Witkoff reportedly travelled to Geneva ahead of Rubio to meet with Ukrainian officials, failing to notify the State Department, raising concerns of an “end-run” around official diplomacy.

Rubio and others advocate a tougher stance toward Russia, pushing economic and military measures to secure concessions, while Witkoff has promoted proposals requiring Ukraine to make significant compromises.

The divide has prompted revisions to Witkoff’s original peace plan after interventions from Rubio and discussions with Ukrainian officials. Changes reportedly removed provisions that would have restricted U.S. fighter deployments to Poland or forced cuts to Ukraine’s armed forces, actions widely criticised by European governments.

Beyond strategy, Witkoff’s handling of security has drawn scrutiny. Officials have raised concerns about his use of private communications and non-government aircraft, prompting the State Department to supply a secure mobile system for his plane. Still, some sources question whether it is consistently used, highlighting the risks of foreign eavesdropping.

Witkoff, 69, has the backing of Trump and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who joined him on recent diplomatic trips, lending him influence despite holding no official government role. White House and State Department officials, however, downplay any discord, describing Witkoff and Rubio as aligned and personally close.

Observers say the rivalry reflects deeper tensions in the Trump administration’s approach to the Ukraine war. Experts warn that such competing approaches from high-level U.S. figures could influence both the outcome of the conflict and the perception of U.S. reliability among allies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev