US President Donald Trump is in no hurry to appoint a US ambassador to Russia out of reluctance to disrupt the established informal diplomacy with Moscow, in which his special envoy Steve Witkoff plays a key role, reports the Daily Mail.
According to the publication, Witkoff has practically become the main channel for communication with the Russian authorities. The publication's sources claim that the delay in appointing the ambassador is not due to a lack of candidates, but to the need for the candidate to be consistent with Witkoff's diplomatic approach.
The lack of a confirmed ambassador, the article states, creates a vacuum in bilateral relations against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Without a permanent high-level representative, Washington's ability to interact directly with Moscow is limited.
Meanwhile, sources note that Witkoff, who bypasses traditional channels of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, already has significant influence. Trump's special envoy, according to sources, is “fully satisfied” from the current state of affairs and has expressed private concerns that the appointment of the ambassador could weaken his direct communication with the Russian leader.
Diplomatic sources note that the current system of informal contacts reduces the priority of appointing a full ambassador, despite the strategic importance of Russian-American relations.
Former Director of National Intelligence Rick Grenell and businessman Bob Foresman were previously considered among possible candidates for the post.
Lynn Tracy ends her term as US ambassador to Russia in June 2025 and leaves Moscow, leaving the position vacant.