Diplomats by Proxy: Witkoff and Kushner's Peace Mission to Russia and Ukraine Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have simmered for years, with the two nations locked in a bitter dispute over territorial claims since 2014.
That year, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, sparking ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine that has resulted in heavy losses for both sides. Stephen M.
Witkoff, a real estate developer and investor, and Jared Kushner, former White House advisor, have announced plans to visit both countries in an effort to jump start diplomatic efforts.