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Trump defends envoy after leaked recording surfaces
U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns on Wednesday over a leaked audio recording of special envoy Steve Witkoff advising a senior Russian official on how to appeal to him, calling the exchange "the standard thing" in negotiations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed he had not listened to the recording but asserted that Witkoff, a longtime associate, was simply "doing what a dealmaker does" to promote a peace plan between Russia and Ukraine. The leaked conversation, first reported by Bloomberg, took place on October 14-just days before a controversial 28-point draft proposal, widely seen as favoring Russian interests, was presented by U.S. officials.
Leaked call reveals behind-the-scenes diplomacy
The recording captures Witkoff speaking with Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the transcript, Witkoff suggested flattery as a tactic to win Trump's favor, advising Ushakov to "reiterate that you congratulate the president on this achievement" and emphasize that Putin views Trump as "a man of peace."
Witkoff also referenced an upcoming visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House, urging that Trump and Putin speak beforehand. "If possible, we should have the call before Zelensky arrives," he reportedly said. The transcript further reveals Witkoff proposing a 20-point peace framework, drawing parallels to earlier negotiations in Gaza.
"I told the president that you-that the Russian Federation has always wanted a peace deal. That's my belief," Witkoff said, according to the transcript. "The issue is that we have two nations that are having a hard time coming to a compromise."
Bloomberg transcript of the October 14 call
Draft peace plan sparks backlash, revisions
The initial 28-point proposal, which emerged shortly after the call, drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian and European leaders for concessions perceived as overly favorable to Moscow, including the potential handover of Ukrainian-controlled territories in the east. Following the outcry, U.S. officials revised the plan to better align with Kyiv's priorities and those of its European allies.
Zelensky has since signaled openness to further discussions with Trump, acknowledging "sensitive points" that remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Witkoff-who has made multiple trips to Moscow this year-is scheduled to meet Putin again next week, though he has yet to visit Kyiv in his official capacity. Other U.S. officials, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, have traveled to the Ukrainian capital for talks.
Trump-Putin call shifts tone ahead of Zelensky's visit
The leak coincided with a two-and-a-half-hour phone call between Trump and Putin, which took place as Zelensky was en route to Washington last month. Prior to the call, Trump had publicly expressed frustration with Putin and hinted at supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles-a move he later abandoned, citing concerns over escalation.
After the conversation, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone, stating he believed Putin "wants to end the war." Ushakov, in comments to Russian state media, dismissed the leak as an attempt to "hinder" relations, adding that Witkoff's upcoming Moscow visit remained on track under a "preliminary agreement."
Second leaked call hints at coordinated strategy
Bloomberg also published a transcript of another call between Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, a Putin envoy who spent days with Witkoff in Miami in late October. In the conversation, Dmitriev allegedly outlined a strategy to present a Russian-drafted proposal informally to U.S. officials, stating:
"We'll just make this paper from our position, and I'll informally pass it along, making it clear that it's all informal. And let them do like their own."
Bloomberg transcript of Dmitriev-Ushakov call
Dmitriev later denounced the leaks as part of a "well-funded, well-organized malicious media machine" designed to "spread fake narratives." The origin of the leaks remains unclear.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid skepticism
Despite the controversies, U.S.-led diplomatic efforts persist. Ukrainian officials have emphasized the need for any peace deal to respect territorial sovereignty, while European allies continue to push for a balanced approach. Zelensky's proposed meeting with Trump could prove pivotal in addressing the remaining disputes, though analysts warn that deep divisions-particularly over territorial concessions-may prolong the stalemate.
