A renewed visit by U.S. officials to Ukraine could potentially reinvigorate stalled peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, according to recent commentary from Lord Ashcroft, an international businessman and former British politician. Despite ongoing efforts, key American figures involved in peace talks have not traveled to Ukraine to witness firsthand the impacts of the conflict, which has lasted since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Lord Ashcroft highlighted the case of Steve Witkoff, the lead U.S. negotiator who has visited Russia multiple times but reportedly declined several invitations to visit Ukraine. Witkoff, a real estate investor by background, has participated in peace talks alongside Jared Kushner, former White House senior advisor and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Kushner has yet to visit Ukraine since the war's escalation. Ashcroft questioned the tactfulness of negotiating peace without direct exposure to the affected regions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the realities on the ground.
In March 2025, Witkoff told a podcast host that his decision to visit Gaza after a long absence of U.S. officials was driven by a desire to engage “up close and personal” in the peace process there. Ashcroft suggested that a similar approach in Ukraine might yield better results in resolving the conflict.
The war has caused profound devastation in Ukraine, with estimates of approximately 1.5 million casualties, including both deaths and injuries. Ashcroft has himself traveled to Ukraine 15 times during the conflict, witnessing the destruction wrought by missile and drone strikes, hearing testimonies of torture among prisoners of war, and visiting sites of alleged war crimes.
Ashcroft also pointed to changes in perception among U.S. figures prone to Russian disinformation. He referenced far-right political activist Laura Loomer, known for her vocal opposition to Ukraine, who after visiting the country experienced an apparent shift in view. Loomer acknowledged the constant threat of air raids faced by civilians and rejected prior claims that Ukraine is dominated by Nazi sympathizers, a narrative often promoted by Russia.
Within U.S. political circles, there has been a range of engagement with the Ukraine conflict. Some Republicans, such as the late Senator Lindsey Graham and retired General Keith Kellogg, have traveled to Ukraine and expressed clear support for the country. Graham was co-author of the Russia Sanctioning Act, aimed at expanding penalties against Moscow, while Kellogg served as a special envoy under Trump and made multiple visits to Ukraine last year.
Ashcroft urges greater American involvement on the ground in Ukraine, asserting that direct exposure to the conflict’s realities might encourage lawmakers who have been skeptical of aid packages or peace initiatives to reconsider their positions. He expressed willingness to accompany key negotiators on future visits to help them better understand the situation and counteract misinformation influencing public and political opinion.