Steve Witkoff’s Business Ties to Russia?

Steve Witkoff’s Business Ties to Russian Individuals and Entities

Summary

Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate mogul turned U.S. envoy, has notable links to Russian-connected figures through his business dealings. Confirmed examples include his ongoing partnership with billionaire Leonard “Len” Blavatnik—a Soviet-born investor with Kremlin-linked past—across major real estate projects (source). Witkoff also once vouched for an indicted Russian mobster in a condo purchase, an acknowledged incident he later regretted (source). As a diplomat, he also engaged with a sanctioned Russian sovereign wealth fund chief (source).

While no direct joint ventures with the Russian government are documented, these associations—some confirmed by public records, others speculative—suggest indirect ties. Observers differ on their significance.

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Partnership with Len Blavatnik (Russian-Linked Billionaire)

Len Blavatnik, an Odessa-born billionaire, partnered with Russian oligarchs during post-Soviet privatization. He co-founded ventures with sanctioned figures like Vekselberg and Deripaska (source).

Witkoff’s firm and Blavatnik’s Access Industries jointly acquired One High Line in NYC in 2021, and the Banyan Cay Resort & Golf Club in 2024. These ventures involved hundreds of millions in luxury real estate (source).

Despite Blavatnik being sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023, Witkoff continued partnerships, which raised ethics concerns, though Blavatnik denies influencing diplomacy or policy (source).

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Reference for a Russian Mobster (2010)

In 2010, Witkoff provided a personal recommendation for Anatoly “Tony” Golubchik, later convicted for running a gambling and laundering ring linked to Trump Tower and Semion Mogilevich (source).

Witkoff later distanced himself, calling it a “mistake” and denied knowledge of Golubchik’s criminal activities. There’s no indication of a business relationship beyond the letter (source).

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Interactions with Russian Government-Linked Figures

As an envoy, Witkoff established a rapport with Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), who is sanctioned by the U.S. (source).

In early 2025, Witkoff invited Dmitriev to a private dinner in D.C.—a move that alarmed U.S. officials (source). Though there’s no evidence of financial dealings, the optics of such informal diplomacy remain controversial.

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Allegations and Absence of Other Known Ties

No public records link Witkoff to Russian state companies or direct financing from Russian banks. Critics speculate that he could seek “Russia-friendly” capital in future deals, but such concerns remain unproven (source).

Witkoff claims to be stepping back from business, transferring assets to family, although transparency is limited due to his “special government employee” status (source).

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Conclusion

Confirmed affiliations include:

• A recurring investment partner (Blavatnik) with post-Soviet ties
• A past personal reference for a Russian mobster
• Informal diplomatic contact with a sanctioned Russian official

While none of these confirm misconduct, they raise valid scrutiny, especially in light of Witkoff’s unique dual role as businessman and diplomat.

Link to full transcript and sources here Steve Witkoff’s Business Ties to Russian Individuals and Entities