Internal tensions and visible disagreements have emerged within the U.S. administration regarding the diplomatic approach to the Russia–Ukraine war, according to a report by NBC News.
At the center of the dispute are Steve Witkoff, special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to official sources, Witkoff has conducted unexpected diplomatic trips and held international meetings without full coordination with the State Department. This has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among some U.S. officials, who have raised concerns over lack of communication and potential security risks.
The report notes that Witkoff’s use of a private aircraft and non-standard communication methods has alarmed security officials, who fear such communications could be vulnerable to foreign interception. In response, the State Department has taken additional measures to ensure more secure communications.
Another major point of contention involves proposed elements of a peace plan for Ukraine. Critics argue that some proposals put forward by Witkoff were overly favorable to Russia. As a result, Marco Rubio and other U.S. diplomats intervened to revise and modify these proposals, maintaining a firmer stance in support of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, White House officials have denied the existence of any serious rift, stating that both figures are working toward the same objective: achieving a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Analysts say the situation highlights the internal challenges of U.S. foreign policy, as the war in Ukraine continues to be one of the most sensitive issues on the international stage.
