Mafia, Russian billions surround Witkoff: Trump friend’s shadowy connections exposed

Valeriy Chaly, Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine, stated this on Espreso TV.

“Witkoff entered this game through Trump’s trust - Trump calls him a friend. He’s someone who can understand Putin, listen to him, and convey his message in a way Trump can comprehend. In other words, it’s a Russian narrative adapted for Trump in an American context - not just linguistically, but in approach,” he noted.

The Russian leader’s willingness to meet with him frequently and for hours is concerning. According to the diplomat, Putin’s characteristically long meetings with Witkoff may indicate a longstanding and close relationship. This could stem not only from political motives but also from business interests.

Chaly noted that Witkoff’s circle includes well-known figures who enriched themselves through Russian assets, have ties to the mafia and intelligence services, and that Witkoff is well acquainted with them.

“When it comes to interests, in my opinion, it’s purely about business. These people want to become the richest in the world, although for now, that title belongs to Putin. They view him as a unique example because they don’t care who he kills. What matters is his ability to make money. According to American estimates, in the mid-2000s, Putin’s fortune was around $240 billion,” he noted.

Putin remains the richest person in the world, the diplomat said: “His wealth could amount to trillions. There is no one else like him in the world. They want to match him in that regard. So business is the foundation - everything else is just a tool.”

• On April 22, it was reported that Russians are expecting the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump's special representative, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow this week.