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Witkoff and Kushner spearhead Russia and Iran negotiations. Has Rubio been sidelined?
Presidential envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have taken a prominent role in recent US diplomatic efforts involving Russia and Ukraine, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has appeared less visible. The arrangement has prompted questions about whether Rubio has been sidelined from two major foreign policy priorities.
After peace negotiations involving the US, Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi, Kushner and Witkoff are due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, then Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin. The article says a similar reliance on special envoys has become common in US dealings with Iran, but gives no details of specific Iran talks.
In short
- Kushner and Witkoff are leading prominent diplomatic meetings.
- Rubio has appeared less involved in Russia and Ukraine negotiations.
- The article says a similar approach is used in dealings with Iran.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Using presidential envoys can give the White House a direct, flexible channel for sensitive negotiations and allow trusted representatives to pursue exploratory talks without the formal constraints of routine diplomacy. Kushner and Witkoff’s prominent role may reflect the President’s confidence in them and a desire to move quickly on urgent conflicts, rather than a judgement that the State Department has no role.
The case against
Giving envoys a leading role in major negotiations may weaken the State Department’s ability to coordinate policy, draw on diplomatic expertise and maintain continuity with allies. If Rubio is genuinely less involved, that could blur accountability and make it harder for foreign governments to know who speaks for the United States; the reported visibility gap alone, however, does not establish that he has been sidelined.
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