Trump Defends Witkoff After Leaked Call Suggests He Advised a Russian Official

Introduction

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Washington — A newly surfaced transcript has lawmakers and diplomats scrutinizing how U.S. diplomacy operates behind closed doors as talks on Ukraine continue. President Donald Trump publicly backs his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, after a recording allegedly shows him guiding a Russian official on how to win Trump’s favor.

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What the leak purports to show

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The transcript, circulated by Bloomberg, appears to capture Witkoff outlining steps to pitch a peace framework to a Russian aide and signaling a willingness for a direct call between Presidents Trump and Putin. The moment came as Washington released a 28-point peace plan that critics said tilted toward Russia, prompting calls for adjustments from Kyiv and European partners.

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Witkoff’s role and recent travel

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Witkoff has conducted multiple visits to Moscow this year and is slated for another meeting with President Putin next week. He has not held public talks in Kyiv in his role as special envoy, unlike several other U.S. officials who have visited Ukraine this year.

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Diplomatic context

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The initial peace proposal drew pushback from Ukraine and European partners who argued it did not sufficiently safeguard Ukrainian sovereignty. In response, Washington revised the plan to better reflect Kyiv’s interests and the views of European allies, while Zelensky signaled openness to a future discussion with Trump on outstanding issues.

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Details from the conversation

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The transcript depicts Witkoff advising how to frame the peace effort, noting that the Russian side has long sought a deal and suggesting a broader, multi-point approach similar to formats used in other conflicts. The dialogue also touched on a potential inter-presidential call and a timeline around Zelensky’s White House visit.

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Reactions and next steps

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Trump described the exchange as a 'very standard form of negotiations' and indicated that he expected further talks with Ukraine. Russian officials, including Yuri Ushakov, dismissed the leak as an attempt to damage relations, while American and European officials continue to navigate the evolving peace process.

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Key takeaways

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• The leak highlights private diplomacy’s role in shaping public messaging around Ukraine negotiations.
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• Trump publicly defends Witkoff, framing the guidance as routine negotiation work.
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• The peace plan has been revised to align more closely with Ukrainian sovereignty and European partners’ expectations.
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Expert commentary

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International relations analyst Dr. Lena Kovac says the episode underscores how private channels can influence public stance during high-stakes diplomacy. She notes that such leaks test the credibility of official positions and the risk of misinterpretation.

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Summary

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The episode exposes ongoing tensions between public policy and back‑channel diplomacy in a fraught regional security setting. While the Trump administration defends Witkoff’s conduct, critics warn that private diplomacy can complicate formal negotiations. As talks persist, Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington must balance sovereignty with the push for a durable peace agreement.

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Key takeaway: Private diplomacy can shape public negotiation postures, especially under pressure to deliver a peace deal. BBC News