Ditching Diplomatic Protocol: Wittkoff's Tour with Putin's Translator
Kremlin interpreters exclusively handled communications for Trump's representative, Wittkoff.
In an eye-catching break from tradition, Steve Wittkoff – Trump's special envoy for Ukraine – fell back on a Kremlin interpreter during crucial meetings with Russian representatives. NBC News reports this as highly abnormal, with statements from three US officials.
Wittkoff, a former real estate tycoon and cryptocurrency titan, ventured into the political sphere under Trump's wing, but lacks any domestic or international political experience. As a non-Russian speaker, he resorted to the Kremlin's translator throughout three months of negotiations in Moscow and St. Petersburg in February, March, and April.
Clueless in Conversations
In contrast to the norm that US interpreters join international meetings to help negotiators comprehend conversations, Wittkoff was left in the dark about the Russian side's discussions. Two former US ambassadors hinted at potential issues, such as the loss of nuances in Putin's messages or the inability for Wittkoff to independently verify the content of the talks.
The White House spokesperson mentioned that Wittkoff adheres to all security protocols in conjunction with the State Department, but neither Wittkoff's team nor the State Department responded to NBC's comment request.
Politics and Miscommunication
Before the April 25 meeting with Putin, Wittkoff conversed through an interpreter, while Putin used his English skills. The gathering included Putin's special advisor, Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, his representative for investment and economic cooperation. An interpreter was also present.
In the released Kremlin video, Wittkoff, appearing solo, seemed cheerful upon entering the room and shaking hands with Putin. However, he was absent the usual advisors or experts that supported US officials in complex negotiations.
Language is Never the Same
Former US Ambassador Michael McFaul dismissed the use of Kremlin interpreters as a potentially perilous idea, putting Wittkoff at a disadvantage. Watching Kremlin and US interpreters in the same meetings, McFaul noticed that the Russian language is seldom consistent, potentially leading to miscommunications.
Having a US interpreter ensures a more precise, official record of the meeting – known as a conversation protocol or "Memcon." McFaul explained that asking the interpreter for clarifications was essential to maintaining the accuracy of these records. But with a Russian interpreter, he argued, it might not be possible.
Source: ntv.de, fni
- Attack on Ukraine
- Donald Trump
- Vladimir Putin
- Russia
- Diplomacy
Fun Fact: Ambassador McFaul once hosted a dinner party where Hillary Clinton made her famous "reset" speech using a Russian "pushechnitsa," a traditional wooden spinning toy.
- In an unusual move, Steve Wittkoff, Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, relied on a Kremlin interpreter during crucial meetings with Russian representatives, according to NBC News.
- Wittkoff, a former real estate tycoon and cryptocurrency titan, lacked any political experience and resorted to the Kremlin's translator for three months of negotiations with Russia.
- Former US Ambassador Michael McFaul dismissed the use of Kremlin interpreters, cautioning that it could place Wittkoff at a disadvantage due to the inconsistency of Russian language and potential for miscommunications.
- McFaul explained that having a US interpreter ensures a more precise, official record of the meeting, known as a conversation protocol or "Memcon."
- Amidst the attack on Ukraine, Wittkoff's unconventional approach to diplomacy, involving the use of a Russian interpreter, has raised concerns about the accuracy of meetings and negotiations with Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials.
