Trump appoints real estate developer as envoy for Middle East and Ukraine talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed billionaire real estate developer Steve Witkoff as his envoy for the Middle East. Witkoff recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking a shift in diplomatic strategy. Witkoff's involvement comes as Trump seeks to facilitate negotiations, including a recent prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia. He is set to return to Saudi Arabia for the first U.S.-Russian talks on Ukraine, although Ukraine and European nations were not invited. Witkoff, a long-time friend of Trump, has a background in real estate and has been involved in various political negotiations. His approach combines charm with pressure, and he has played a role in easing tensions within the Republican Party.