Steve Witkoff / Putin / Trump Ukraine Peace Push
Witkoff Coached Putin Aide on How to Pitch Trump a Ukraine Peace Deal
Leaked transcripts show Trump’s envoy actively scripting Putin’s approach on a Russia-friendly “peace” framework.
Here’s what went down 👇
Read this especially if you follow Ukraine diplomacy, Trump–Russia backchannels, or great-power dealmaking.
📍 What Just Happened
Bloomberg released a transcript detailing an October call involving Steve Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov discussing Trump’s Gaza and Ukraine plans.
Ushakov denied Moscow leaking the call, claiming external actors intended to damage relations while acknowledging frequent communications with Witkoff occurred regularly.
The White House accepted the transcript’s accuracy as Trump sent Witkoff to meet Putin while Secretary Dan Driscoll traveled Ukraine.
🕵️♂️ Who’s Involved
- Donald Trump – positioning himself as the indispensable “deal-maker” between Russia and Ukraine.
- Steve Witkoff – Trump’s chief backchannel, scripting how Putin should sell the plan.
- Yuri Ushakov – Putin’s foreign-policy adviser, serving as the Kremlin’s line into Trump world.
- Kirill Dmitriev – close Putin ally shaping a 28-point peace plan skewed toward Russian demands.
- Rep. Don Bacon – GOP critic accusing Witkoff of favoring Moscow and calling for his firing.
🔍 What’s in the Peace Framework
Dmitriev’s framework requires Ukraine to surrender Donbas, reduce its military, and abandon NATO ambitions, while Witkoff cites a similar compromise plan.
Trump states Russia and Ukraine should freeze positions, signaling acceptance of Russian gains as Moscow debates pushing demands while remaining unofficial.
The White House claims the proposal is U.S.-driven with bilateral input, though critics argue it mirrors Russian priorities disguised with an American presentation.
🧠 Why It Matters
The revelations expose Trump-era peacemaking mechanics relying on flattery, scripted messaging, and backchannel coordination subtly pressuring Ukraine toward territorial concessions.
They highlight divisions within the GOP over Russia policy, with some endorsing Trump’s approach while others warn he seems accommodating.
These disclosures raise concerns about authorship of the peace plan and how private calls can predetermine outcomes before negotiations begin.
🧾 The Bottom Line
If Washington makes its support conditional on accepting this framework, Ukraine could confront a harsh choice: sign a Russia-leaning peace or continue fighting with dwindling assistance. The leaked transcript suggests that this pressure campaign is already being quietly orchestrated behind the scenes, shaping expectations and outcomes for all involved today.