A private jet linked to Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, has taken off from Qatar and headed north, sparking speculation about a possible visit to Russia, Avia.pro sources reported, citing data from the Flightradar service, which tracks aircraft movements. Information about the flight appeared in the context of rumors about upcoming talks between Washington and Moscow, the purpose of which may be to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. 

Although there is no official confirmation of Whitkoff's visit to the Russian capital, his trip fits into the framework of the intensified diplomatic efforts of the new American administration. Let us recall that Whitkoff, appointed special envoy for the Middle East, had previously visited Moscow on February 11, 2025. At that time, his mission was related to the release of American citizen Mark Vogel, convicted in Russia for drug smuggling. In exchange for Vogel, the United States handed over to Russia Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of the BTC-e cryptocurrency exchange, who confessed to money laundering. 

According to The New York Times, before his February visit to Moscow, Witkoff held talks with representatives of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as with people close to the Russian leadership. These contacts, according to the newspaper's sources, were part of a secret assignment from Trump, who expanded Witkoff's powers, entrusting him with the task of establishing a channel of negotiations with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. It is noted that Witkoff, a long-time friend and ally of Trump, is considered an experienced negotiator in the White House who is capable of handling this task. 

Witkoff's current flight north from Qatar comes amid preparations for new rounds of international consultations. In particular, a meeting of American and Ukrainian delegations took place in Saudi Arabia on March 11, which was attended by Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and representatives of Kyiv - head of the presidential office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. According to Bloomberg, Witkoff also planned to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, although the Kremlin has not yet confirmed this information.