Witkoff’s stance stands no chance following Russia's attack on Sumy

Now it's Macron and Kallas again, but also Tusk, von der Leyen, Scholz, and even Meloni — who has recently taken a distinct position within the EU — along with a number of lower-profile figures.

And notably, these statements were made on a weekend.

The statements themselves are also important, even though here they are routinely mocked and underestimated.

Because all of this plays into — perhaps unconsciously, or maybe even as part of a deliberate strategy — the effort to completely nullify Witkoff as the main Putin-understander in the White House.

And that’s precisely why we’ve now seen two major signals from the other side of the Atlantic: statements from Kellogg and Rubio.

Of course, their messages came with bows to Trump, just like from some Europeans. But that's to be expected.

After Kryvyi Rih, they remained silent — and we’ll long remember the disgraceful post from the U.S. ambassador.

Following Witkoff’s third visit to Putin and the demonstrative withdrawal of Rubio and the State Department — we’re nearing the climax.

(And a separate reaction also came from another Trump ally — special envoy Richard Grenell.)

If things end well, Witkoff will be told to back off.

As cynical as it may sound, his opponents will use the tragedy in Sumy against him.

And it's not just about Witkoff personally — the entire policy of capitulation by Ukraine (and the U.S.) to Putin will come under attack.

That’s why the Europeans are also involved in this game.

After Kryvyi Rih, this wasn’t done because Witkoff’s position wasn’t weak enough yet.

Now the moment has come: in a hundred days, he hasn’t delivered a single benefit to his patron.

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About the author: Oleh Manchura, journalist.

The editorial team does not necessarily share the opinions expressed by blog authors.