Key Takeaways:

• Media labels Steve Witkoff as incompetent in Ukraine peace talks.
• Former insider Lev Parnas calls this a cover for a bigger plan.
• Parnas says Steve Witkoff works for Russian interests, not U.S.
• Secret deals happen behind closed doors with Putin’s fixer.
• The tactic distracts public while Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine.

Former Trump insider Lev Parnas claims that the recent criticism of Steve Witkoff is no accident. While many news outlets call him a bungling peace envoy, Parnas says this story hides his true mission. In fact, he insists Witkoff is playing along with the Kremlin to stall Ukraine’s defense talks and enrich Russian power.

Why Steve Witkoff Faces Accusations

Parnas wrote that journalists paint Steve Witkoff as clueless. They say he attends meetings unprepared and repeats Moscow’s talking points. However, Parnas argues this “incompetence” is a ruse. He believes it tricks the public into underestimating a carefully planned strategy.

Parnas says media reports leave out the real story. Public coverage focuses on Witkoff’s mistakes. Meanwhile, secret negotiations steer big decisions away from experts. According to Parnas, that secrecy serves Russian goals, not peace.

How the Accusation Unfolded

Last weekend, Parnas published a post titled “Witkoff Exposed — Trump’s Envoy Revealed as Kremlin Pawn.” In it, he detailed a meeting in New York. The Ukrainian leaders Andriy Yermak and Sergiy Kyslytsya met with Witkoff. Afterward, they doubted his loyalty. They feared he passed Ukraine’s plans straight to Moscow.

Moreover, official statements from U.S., Ukrainian, and European diplomats expressed frustration. They said Witkoff refused to consult experts. He mixed up promises by Putin. One day he expected Russia to return occupied land. The next he claimed they agreed to NATO-style guarantees. Such chaos, Parnas warns, is intentional.

The Alleged Kremlin Connection

Parnas highlights Witkoff’s 1990s real estate dealings with Russian oligarchs. Those ties, he says, show deep Kremlin influence. In fact, both he and Trump once enjoyed Moscow’s “dirty money.” Therefore, Parnas thinks their views align with Putin’s.

Furthermore, Parnas names Kirill Dmitriev as Witkoff’s true handler. Dmitriev leads Russia’s state investment fund. He answers directly to Putin. According to Parnas, the major bargains happen in private meetings with Dmitriev, not in public briefings.

Parnas adds that every mistake Witkoff makes in front of cameras hides these secret talks. “Don’t think he’s confused,” Parnas wrote. “He’s obsessed with Russia’s victory, not Ukraine’s peace.”

Real Deals Behind Closed Doors

While news reports share leaked memos and public notes, Parnas says the real deals never hit the press. Instead, Russian agents, Dmitriev included, shape the outcome. Meanwhile, the world watches Witkoff fumble on stage.

In secret sessions, Parnas alleges, Russia secures more time to attack Ukraine. Drones and missiles keep raining down. Public focus on Witkoff’s errors distracts from the destruction. As a result, Russia gains leverage at Ukraine’s expense.

Impacts on Ukraine Peace Talks

This strategy might weaken Western resolve. If people believe U.S. negotiators can’t make sense of talks, pressure for a quick peace grows. Russian forces could use that to demand unfair concessions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian leaders grow frustrated. They need reliable partners who understand defense and diplomacy. A spoof of peace could stall military aid and support. Therefore, the stakes go beyond headlines.

What Comes Next?

Parnas urges the public to look beyond the theater. He believes independent experts should review all negotiations. Transparency, he says, could expose any secret Kremlin influence. Otherwise, Russia may continue its campaign unchecked.

If Parnas is right, Steve Witkoff’s role is less of an accidental bungler and more of a calculated decoy. In that case, future talks must involve clearer oversight. Western allies could demand access to full meeting transcripts. They might also push for neutral mediators.

However, if no change happens, the “useful idiot” tactic could repeat in other conflicts. Distracting media while secret deals unfold may become the norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Lev Parnas say about Steve Witkoff?

Lev Parnas accused Steve Witkoff of acting as a Kremlin pawn rather than a genuine peacemaker in Ukraine talks.

Why does Parnas claim the media is wrong?

Parnas argues that reports of Witkoff’s incompetence cover up his true role in stalling peace to favor Russia.

Who is said to control Steve Witkoff’s secret deals?

Parnas points to Kirill Dmitriev, head of a Russian state fund, as the real conductor of hidden negotiations.

How could these claims affect Ukraine peace efforts?

If true, the distraction strategy may delay meaningful support for Ukraine and strengthen Russia’s bargaining power.