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In a stunning revelation that raises serious questions about the Trump administration’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, transcripts published by Bloomberg News show Trump envoy Steve Witkoff coaching Russian officials on how to manipulate the president’s perception of peace negotiations.
According to the transcript from an October 14 call, Witkoff advised Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov on specific language and tactics the Russian leader should use when speaking with President Trump. The conversation included suggestions that Putin congratulate Trump on the Gaza peace deal and position himself as supportive of peace efforts.
“Here’s what I think would be amazing,” Witkoff reportedly told Ushakov. “Maybe he says to President Trump: you know, Steve and Yuri discussed a very similar 20-point plan to peace and that could be something that we think might move the needle a little bit, we’re open to those sorts of things.”
The timing of these discussions proved significant, as Witkoff also suggested arranging a Trump-Putin call before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s scheduled White House visit. This sequence of events played out exactly as proposed, with Trump speaking to Putin the day before meeting with Zelenskyy on October 17.
Following the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump publicly declared that Ukraine and Russia should “stop where they are” on the battlefield – effectively suggesting Ukraine should surrender territory currently occupied by Russian forces, a position that aligns with Moscow’s interests.
The Bloomberg report emerged as Trump announced he’s sending Witkoff to meet with Putin, claiming a proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine has been “fine-tuned.” The White House has not disputed the authenticity of the transcript.
When questioned about Witkoff’s approach, Trump characterized it as “standard” negotiating procedure. “He’s got to sell this to Ukraine. He’s got to sell Ukraine to Russia,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “That’s what a dealmaker does.”
Not all Republicans have embraced this characterization. U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican who has been critical of Trump’s Ukraine policy, condemned Witkoff’s approach. “He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired,” Bacon wrote on social media.
The transcripts reveal further concerning details about the peace plan development. Another recording reviewed by Bloomberg captured an October 29 conversation between Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, a close Putin adviser on Ukraine, discussing how forcefully Moscow should push its demands in the peace proposal.
This exchange occurred shortly after Dmitriev traveled to Florida for talks with Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and informal adviser, focusing on creating a 28-point peace plan framework.
The plan, which became public last week, has been criticized as heavily favoring Russian interests. It included provisions for Ukraine to cede the entire Donbas region to Russia, dramatically reduce its military, and accept a ban from NATO membership – all key Russian demands since the war began.
White House communications director Steven Cheung defended Witkoff’s actions, stating: “This story proves one thing: Special Envoy Witkoff talks to officials in both Russia and Ukraine nearly every day to achieve peace, which is exactly what President Trump appointed him to do.”
Dmitriev dismissed the transcript as “Fake” on social media, adding, “The closer we get to peace, the more desperate warmongers become.” The Russian Embassy in Washington has not responded to requests for comment.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted the proposal originated from the United States with input from both Russian and Ukrainian sides, pushing back against criticism that the leaked plan essentially represents a Russian wish list.
As tensions over the peace plan continue, Trump announced that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will meet with Ukrainian officials while Witkoff meets with Putin. The president also indicated he might eventually meet with both Putin and Zelenskyy, but only after further progress in negotiations.
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10 Comments
Very intriguing development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine saga. The alleged coordination between a U.S. envoy and Putin’s aide raises major questions about the Trump team’s approach to this conflict and their motivations. The public should demand a full accounting of these reported interactions.
Definitely concerning if true. The Trump administration’s Russia policy has always been shrouded in mystery and controversy. This latest revelation only adds to the cloud of suspicion.
Quite an explosive revelation. The idea that a U.S. envoy would coach Putin’s aide on manipulating Trump over the Ukraine conflict is deeply disturbing. This appears to be a serious breach of diplomatic protocol and raises major questions about the administration’s Russia policy. The public deserves answers.
If verified, this report is very troubling. U.S. foreign policy should be driven by principled, transparent decision-making – not backroom deals and attempts to manipulate the president. The American people need to know the full details of these alleged interactions between a U.S. envoy and Russian officials.
This is a troubling report. If true, it suggests the Trump administration was inappropriately coordinating with Russia on the Ukraine conflict, potentially undermining U.S. foreign policy and international norms. Concerning that a U.S. envoy would advise Putin’s aide on manipulating the president’s perception.
Agree, this is a serious breach of protocol if confirmed. The public deserves transparency on the administration’s dealings with Russia regarding Ukraine.
This is a highly concerning development that merits thorough investigation. The idea of a U.S. official coaching the Kremlin on how to sway President Trump’s views on Ukraine is extremely problematic and raises serious questions about the administration’s handling of this critical foreign policy issue. Transparency is paramount.
This report, if accurate, suggests a troubling level of collusion between the Trump administration and the Kremlin on the Ukraine issue. U.S. foreign policy should serve the national interest, not be influenced by backroom dealing. Transparency is needed to understand the full extent of these alleged improper contacts.
I share your concerns. The American people deserve to know the truth about their government’s actions and relationships with foreign powers, especially adversaries like Russia. Proper oversight and accountability are essential.
Wow, this is a bombshell report. The alleged collusion between a Trump envoy and Putin’s aide on influencing the president’s position on Ukraine is deeply disturbing. This appears to be a clear violation of diplomatic norms and raises major questions about the administration’s Russia policy. The American public deserves answers.