Leaked Conversation Highlights Diplomatic Strategies
White House special envoy Steve Witkoff recently provided guidance to a senior advisor of Russian President Vladimir Putin on how to effectively present a Ukraine peace proposal to President Trump, according to transcripts from leaked audio that surfaced on Tuesday.
During a mid-October phone call, Witkoff suggested that Putin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, should congratulate Trump on the recent Gaza peace agreement and refer to him as a “man of peace”. This would create an opportunity to introduce the new Ukraine peace plan.
Witkoff stated in the conversation, “Maybe he says to President Trump: You know, Steve and Yuri discussed a very similar 20-point plan for peace that could potentially influence negotiations. We’re open to exploring those ideas,” as reported in the transcript initially shared by Bloomberg.
On Tuesday, Trump did not challenge the authenticity of the leaked transcript and defended his envoy during a press briefing. He remarked, “He’s got to sell this to Ukraine. He’s got to sell Ukraine to Russia. That’s what a dealmaker does.”
Ushakov refrained from commenting directly on the transcript but acknowledged its potential accuracy regarding their discussions. He criticized the leak as detrimental to U.S.-Russia relations, stating it was likely intended to obstruct diplomatic efforts.
Related: Understanding between Ukraine and U.S. on Trump-supported peace deal faces significant challenges
Ushakov expressed concern about the leak’s implications for ongoing negotiations: “It’s probably meant to hinder progress rather than improve relations. The relationship continues despite difficulties; communication is essential.”
In his conversation with Ushakov, Witkoff advocated for a call between Trump and Putin prior to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington on October 17. That call eventually occurred, resulting in an agreement for both leaders to meet in Hungary at an unspecified date.
A few days later, Ushakov engaged with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev regarding strategies for advancing Russia’s demands in discussions with U.S. diplomats. Dmitriev noted that while he did not expect full acceptance of Russia’s proposed plan by the U.S., they aimed for it to be closely aligned with their expectations.
Dmitriev dismissed the leaked transcript as fabricated and claimed it was released solely to obstruct peace negotiations.
Dmitriev had previously met with Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Miami just before discussing a framework for a 28-point Ukraine peace initiative. This proposal faced backlash due its perceived concessions favoring Russia, including significant territorial compromises by Ukraine and restrictions on its military capabilities.
The recent leak has further complicated an already tense atmosphere surrounding peace talks. Earlier that day, officials from both Ukraine and the U.S. announced they had reached an understanding regarding key elements of a potential agreement but withheld specifics about what had been settled or remained unresolved.
Russia has insisted it has yet to receive any updated version of the peace plan and expects notification from the U.S. once discussions with Europe and Ukraine are concluded.
Trump indicated plans for Witkoff to travel to Moscow for discussions with Putin while Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll would engage with Ukrainian representatives.
