Edward Lucas: Witkoff and Kushner's Moscow visit to Putin sparks concern in Europe
Analyst Edward Lucas criticizes how US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner conducted themselves during a recent visit to Vladimir Putin in Moscow. He urges Europeans to hope for the best while preparing for the worst.
Edward Lucas, an expert and adviser at the Center for European Policy Analysis, has published a critical commentary on Delfi regarding a weekend meeting between US officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Lucas, US special envoy Steve Witkoff behaved in an excessively deferential and obliging manner toward Putin during the visit — behavior the author describes as a scene that should have provoked shock and unease.
Traveling in Kremlin vehicles
Lucas notes that Witkoff was joined in Moscow by Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, whom he characterizes just as critically. During the visit, the two American representatives reportedly traveled in Russian government vehicles and relied on interpreters provided by the Kremlin rather than their own, during the talks.
Lucas views this conduct as unusual and problematic in the context of a diplomatic visit, suggesting it reflects excessive reliance on arrangements and conditions set by the Russian side.
A message for Europe
The piece's title, "Assisted suicide, or Trump's American case," reflects the author's broader message: European countries should hope for the best outcome in relations with the US and Russia, while seriously preparing for the worst-case scenario.
The full commentary is available to Delfi Plus subscribers.
