A newly leaked recording has ignited a political uproar in Washington, after reporting surfaced that Steve Witkoff — a senior envoy and close adviser to President Donald Trump — allegedly coached a top Kremlin aide on how Russian President Vladimir Putin should present a Ukraine peace plan to the White House. The revelation, first reported by Bloomberg, has sparked concerns over diplomatic transparency, geopolitical leverage, and the potential implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The leaked call, reportedly recorded on October 14, captures a detailed conversation between Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, one of Putin’s most influential advisers. During the exchange, Witkoff appears to outline a communication strategy aimed at helping Putin gain Trump’s support for a Russia-backed peace framework to end the war in Ukraine.
According to the transcript, Witkoff suggested that Putin should open with a congratulatory message about Trump’s recent Gaza ceasefire deal, positioning Russia as supportive of the agreement. He advised that Putin emphasize Trump’s image as “a man of peace,” framing the outreach as constructive rather than confrontational. Witkoff also recommended that the phone call be placed before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s scheduled visit to the United States, giving Moscow an advantage in shaping the narrative ahead of Kyiv’s diplomatic engagement.
Beyond communication tactics, the recording also appears to reveal discussion of the substance behind a potential peace plan. Witkoff referenced what he called a “20-point Trump plan” and encouraged Russia to prepare its own structured proposal. At one point, he acknowledged that any realistic peace agreement would likely require Ukraine to make territorial concessions, mentioning Donetsk and the possibility of a land-swap arrangement. However, he urged Moscow to present such terms in a more optimistic manner to soften public and political resistance.
The fallout from the leaked call has been swift. Several U.S. lawmakers, including Republican Congressman Don Bacon, expressed alarm over Witkoff’s comments, arguing that the envoy appeared overly aligned with Russian interests. Critics questioned whether Witkoff’s involvement undermines U.S. neutrality or compromises the integrity of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, the White House defended Witkoff’s role, stating that engaging with both Russian and Ukrainian officials is part of the administration’s strategy to pursue peace negotiations. A senior official emphasized that Witkoff speaks with representatives from both sides “daily” in an effort to reduce hostilities and bring the war toward a negotiated settlement.
The Kremlin has not issued a full official response, though one unnamed Russian official dismissed the transcript as possibly fabricated. Nonetheless, the report has intensified debate over the future of the war in Ukraine, the bargaining power of the United States, and the political sensitivity of any peace plan that appears to benefit Moscow.
As questions grow over the authenticity, ethics, and geopolitical impact of this leaked conversation, one thing is clear: the path to a Ukraine peace deal is becoming more complex — and more politically explosive — than ever.
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