Trump's Envoy Sparks Controversy Amid Ongoing Ukraine Negotiations

President Donald Trump addressed concerns regarding his special envoy Steve Witkoff's engagements with the Kremlin after a newly emerged phone call transcript shed light on Witkoff's guidance to senior Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov. The October 14 audio recording, reviewed by Bloomberg, reveals Witkoff advising Ushakov on how Russian President Vladimir Putin should engage with Trump, particularly around a 28-point peace proposal that has become a focal point in ongoing negotiations involving the Trump administration, Russia, and Ukraine. Trump characterized the situation to reporters aboard Air Force One, asserting, "He’s gotta sell this to Ukraine; he’s gotta sell Ukraine to Russia. That’s what a deal maker does." The President further expressed, "I haven’t heard [the transcript], but I heard it was standard negotiation... I would imagine he’s saying the same thing to Ukraine because each party has to give and take." The transcript has raised alarms among some GOP colleagues wary of Russo-American diplomacy. Congressman Don Bacon called for Witkoff’s dismissal, alleging, "For those who oppose the Russian invasion and want to see Ukraine prevail as a sovereign, democratic country, it is clear that Witkoff fully favors the Russians. He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian-paid agent do less than he?" Representative Brian Fitzpatrick also expressed grave concern, labeling it a major issue and criticizing the nature of secretive meetings that perpetuate such troubling dynamics. In response to inquiries about Witkoff's perceived pro-Russian stance, Trump suggested that the conflict might persist for years, adding, "Russia’s got a lot more people, got a lot more soldiers. So I think if Ukraine can make a deal, it’s a good thing." Ushakov himself expressed dissatisfaction regarding the leak of the transcript, indicating, "Some of these leaks are fake. Others I would prefer not to comment on... No one should disclose them." The call transcript disclosed that Witkoff had recommended Ushakov encourage Putin to congratulate Trump on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, an event that indeed occurred shortly thereafter. Following their dialogue on October 16, Trump's phone conversation with Putin seemingly shifted his stance towards Russia after a series of frustrations regarding the stalled war negotiations. During a subsequent working lunch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, tensions escalated when Trump appeared to assert that Ukraine should consider territorial concessions to Russia in order to facilitate the end of the conflict. Witkoff proposed a 20-point peace initiative during the call, a concept that evolved into a 28-point plan that included significant concessions from Ukraine, such as territorial cessions, abandonment of NATO aspirations, and limitations on military size. As U.S. and Ukrainian officials participated in high-level talks across various cities, including Geneva and Abu Dhabi, the peace proposal has been described as a 'living, breathing document' by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Witkoff is anticipated to travel to Moscow for further negotiations, joining the potential list of diplomats including Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in this complex diplomatic endeavor. Trump indicated a willingness to meet with both Zelensky and Putin, although he emphasized that such meetings would only occur when negotiations reach conclusive stages. Regarding any fixed timeline for these developments, Trump commented, "I don’t have a deadline; I just… you know what the deadline for me is? When it’s over." With diplomatic efforts intensifying and significant internal and external pressures mounting, the coming days are likely pivotal for the future dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2