White House power struggle: Trump ally Vitkoff’s Moscow move sparks clash over Ukraine policy

The author of the Resurgram Telegram channel discussed the issue.

The competition inside the White House is intensifying, with recent events pointing to an ongoing power struggle between different factions over U.S. policy on Ukraine. One of the key figures at the center of this conflict is special envoy Kellogg, who seems to have become the target of a strategic effort to undermine his position. Meanwhile, the appearance of Trump’s trusted adviser Vitkoff in Moscow has added fuel to the fire, hinting at deeper political maneuvering.

The meeting between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. Vice President Vance initially seemed promising. Von der Leyen’s office confirmed the EU’s continued commitment to a fair and lasting peace for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of unity in supporting the country. However, while diplomatic pleasantries were exchanged, the real intrigue was unfolding elsewhere. Vitkoff, a billionaire developer and long-time associate of Donald Trump, arrived in Moscow, stepping into a role that many believe duplicates Kellogg’s responsibilities. This visit was far from coincidental.

Vitkoff is not a diplomat but a skilled negotiator with a successful track record in the Middle East. He played a significant role in brokering the current agreement between Hamas and Israel, often switching between pressuring Netanyahu and Hamas leaders to reach a deal. Trump holds him in high regard, describing him as “my good Jewish friend I play golf with.” His sudden involvement in the Ukraine issue suggests that his mission may go beyond diplomacy — it appears to be a deliberate move to overshadow and potentially replace Kellogg.

Within the White House, two distinct factions have emerged regarding the approach to the war in Ukraine. One group, led by Kellogg and National Security Advisor Waltz, advocates for a “peace through strength” strategy, believing that pressure through sanctions and weakening Russia’s position is essential before any negotiations can begin. On the other side is a faction that prioritizes a quick resolution, even at the cost of compromise. This group, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., favors an expedited deal with Russia under almost any conditions.

Although Vitkoff is not formally part of either group, his close ties to Trump’s inner circle and his partnership with Musk raise suspicions about his true intentions. He was among the investors who helped Musk purchase Twitter, reinforcing the idea that his loyalties lie with those pushing for an immediate agreement with Russia. His arrival in Moscow coincided with a series of events that suggest a broader plan to weaken Kellogg’s influence.

The timing of Vitkoff’s visit is telling. It came just after Kellogg began advocating for deeper consultations with the EU, a stance that likely frustrated those eager for a quicker deal. Russian authorities welcomed Vitkoff warmly, even releasing detained American teacher Marс Fogel shortly after his arrival — a gesture that seemed to signal their approval. Adding to the intrigue was a conveniently timed opinion piece in The Washington Post that subtly questioned Kellogg’s impartiality. The article highlighted his daughter’s leadership of a pro-Ukrainian charity, creating the impression of a conflict of interest without making direct accusations. The strategic placement and wording of the article, along with its appearance in the “Opinions” section, strongly suggest it may have been part of a coordinated smear campaign.

Although Moscow was quick to amplify the article for its own purposes, it is likely that its origins lie within the White House itself. This appears to be an internal attack orchestrated by Kellogg’s rivals, aimed at portraying his pro-Ukrainian stance as problematic and eroding his credibility. The praise for Kellogg’s commitment to Ukraine is, in fact, a veiled critique meant to frame him as biased and unsuitable for his role.

All signs point to an ongoing effort to push Kellogg aside, the author believes. What is unfolding in the White House is more than a difference of opinion; it is a clash of competing visions for U.S. foreign policy. With high stakes and shifting alliances, the battle for influence is far from over, and every move is part of a carefully calculated game.