Behind Closed Doors: Trump's Envoy Reveals Negotiation Tactics for Ukraine Peace

In a stunning revelation, a recorded phone conversation obtained by Bloomberg sheds light on Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his approach to achieving peace in Ukraine. During a call with Yuri Ushakov, a senior Kremlin official and top foreign policy aide to President Vladimir Putin, Witkoff outlined what he believes are essential land concessions necessary for an agreement, particularly in the Donetsk region. The conversation, held on October 14, highlights Witkoff's view that for Russia to achieve control of Donetsk, there may need to be a territorial exchange, leading him to suggest a more hopeful rhetoric in their discussions. "Now me to you, I know what it's going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere," Witkoff stated. This direct insight into the negotiation process reveals not only the complexities of the region but also gives context to the controversial 28-point peace proposal that surfaced in November. Witkoff proposed that the U.S. and Russia collaborate on a joint peace framework, inspired by a recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza. "We put a 20-point Trump plan together that was 20 points for peace, and I'm thinking maybe we do the same thing with you," he said, emphasizing the need for an optimistic tone while negotiating. In a strategic move, Witkoff advised Ushakov on how to present the proposal to Trump, including the suggestion to arrange a Trump-Putin phone call prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's scheduled visit to the White House. Ushakov appeared receptive, indicating that Putin would frame Trump as a 'real peace man' when discussing the unfolding events. The controversial 28-point plan demands significant concessions from Ukraine, requiring them to cede the entire Donetsk region to Russia, including territories not currently under Russian control, effectively transforming these zones into a demilitarized buffer recognized as part of Russia. The plan would also include granting Russia control over Luhansk and Crimea while solidifying current battle lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Interestingly, despite the strong push from the U.S. for Ukraine to accept this framework as a basis to end the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian officials continue to reject any notion of accepting Russian dominance over occupied territories or limiting their military capabilities. This new information emerges against a backdrop of shifting dynamics in Trump's stance toward Moscow. On the same day of the Witkoff-Ushakov phone call, Trump expressed frustration with Putin's reluctance to conclude the war in Ukraine, questioning his motives and the public perception surrounding the conflict. "I don't know why he continues with this war; he just doesn't want to end that war, and I think it's making him look very bad," Trump commented. As Trump prepares to send Witkoff to Moscow and U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to meet with Ukrainian officials ahead of a potentially crucial White House meeting with Zelenskyy, the stakes have never been higher. "I look forward to hopefully meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Putin soon but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or in its final stages," Trump announced on Truth Social. The implications of this conversation and the proposed framework reveal the intricate interplay between U.S. foreign policy, Russian ambitions, and the fierce independence that Ukraine is striving to uphold. As peace efforts continue to evolve, the world watches closely, waiting to see if these diplomatic overtures can translate into a substantial reduction in hostilities and a lasting resolution to a conflict that has endured for nearly four years. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2