A leaked phone call has unveiled details of a conversation between US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The October 14, 2023 call, which lasted just over five minutes, suggests Witkoff encouraged collaboration on a peace plan for Ukraine, proposing a strategy similar to the recent Gaza peace agreement. Witkoff advised Ushakov on how Putin should approach former President Donald Trump regarding this initiative.
During the call, Witkoff proposed that Putin congratulate Trump for his role in the Gaza peace deal and suggested setting up a call between the two leaders prior to Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 17. In a transcript reviewed by Bloomberg, Witkoff expressed an intention to create a “20-point plan” for peace in Ukraine, mirroring the successful format used in Gaza.
Trump, however, dismissed Witkoff’s approach, referring to it as “a very standard form of negotiation.” Criticism arose from Republican Congressman Don Bacon, who suggested that Witkoff’s methods demonstrated a bias toward Russia. Bacon stated, “He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired.”
The conversation sheds light on Witkoff’s negotiation tactics and hints at the origins of the recent 28-point peace proposal that the US has urged Ukraine to accept. Putin remarked that he believes the US plan could form the basis of a peace settlement, although he noted that it had not been thoroughly discussed with US officials.
As Witkoff and Ushakov collaborated on potential strategies, Witkoff expressed respect for Putin, claiming to Trump that Russia had consistently sought a peace deal. Witkoff suggested that a congratulatory message from Putin could set a positive tone for the forthcoming call between Trump and Putin.
“Zelensky is coming to the White House on Friday,” Witkoff stated. “If possible, we have the call with your boss before that Friday meeting.” Ushakov agreed, noting that Putin could indeed congratulate Trump on the Gaza deal, which Witkoff believed would enhance the call’s effectiveness.
Two days following their conversation, Trump and Putin spoke, with Trump describing their discussion as “very productive.” Following this call, Witkoff reportedly met with Kirill Dmitriev, another high-ranking Kremlin adviser, to further discuss peace negotiations.
Ukraine has faced growing pressure to accept the proposals crafted in collaboration with Witkoff and the Kremlin. US officials have warned that critical intelligence support for Ukraine could be withdrawn if President Zelensky does not agree to the suggested terms. The original proposal from the US required Ukraine to withdraw troops from certain regions in the eastern Donbas area, which Russia has not captured through military means.
Furthermore, Russia would gain recognition of its claims over Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk. The proposed agreement appears to freeze the front lines in other contested regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian and European leaders continue to assert that any peace settlement should maintain current territorial lines.
Witkoff’s remarks during the call suggested he understood the complexities of securing a peace deal. “Me to you, I know what it’s going to take to get a peace deal done,” he said. He acknowledged the need for discussions about potential land swaps but emphasized a more optimistic approach to negotiations.
“Let’s talk more hopefully because I think we’re going to get to a deal here,” he added, expressing confidence in his ability to navigate the diplomatic landscape. Ushakov responded positively, indicating that Witkoff’s insights were well received.
As these negotiations evolve, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments and the implications for both Ukraine and Russia. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the trajectory of the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.
