Trump Dismisses Concerns Over Envoy’s Kremlin Ties After Leaked Call Transcript

نوفمبر 26, 2025 · By sheploocloud@gmail.com · In Politics

President Donald Trump brushed aside concerns about his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, after a newly obtained phone transcript offered an unusual look into how the U.S. negotiator advised a senior Russian official. The recording, dated October 14 and reviewed by Bloomberg, shows Witkoff coaching Yuri Ushakov—Russia’s top foreign policy adviser—on how President Vladimir Putin should handle an upcoming call with Trump.

The transcript sheds new light on behind-the-scenes discussions that led to a 28-point peace proposal now at the center of intense talks between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed the controversy, calling Witkoff a “deal-maker” and insisting the negotiation was routine.

Republican Lawmakers Sound Alarm Over Witkoff’s Russia Positioning

The leaked call sparked backlash among Russia-skeptic Republicans in Congress. Rep. Don Bacon demanded Witkoff’s removal, writing that the envoy appeared to “favor the Russians entirely” and could not be trusted to lead peace negotiations. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick called the situation a “serious problem” and criticized what he described as “secret side shows.”

When asked whether he was concerned that Witkoff was too sympathetic to Moscow, Trump said the war could “go on for years” and that Ukraine may need to reach a settlement. He argued that Russia’s size and military strength make prolonged conflict unsustainable for Kyiv.

Moscow Reacts to Leak as Peace Talks Shift Across Multiple Capitals

Ushakov expressed frustration over the leak, telling Russian media that some details were fabricated while refusing to comment on others. Former U.S. national security official Brett McGurk told CNN the call may have been leaked by a foreign intelligence service, adding that it is unclear whether the transcript is complete.

According to the leaked text, Witkoff urged Ushakov to have Putin congratulate Trump on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas—something that happened two days later. He also advised that Putin speak with Trump before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held his White House meeting.

Peace Framework Evolves as High-Level Talks Continue in Moscow and Kyiv

Trump spoke with Putin on October 16 in a call that lasted two and a half hours, reportedly softening his tone toward Russia after weeks of frustration over stalled progress. The following day, Trump hosted Zelensky at the White House, where tensions rose as Trump pushed for territorial concessions to end the war.

Witkoff floated the idea of a 20-point peace plan that ultimately expanded into a 28-point framework, including limits on Ukraine’s military and abandoning its bid to join NATO. After high-level talks in Geneva and Abu Dhabi, the proposal is still evolving. Trump said Witkoff will travel to Moscow next week, possibly joined by Jared Kushner, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is expected to visit Kyiv. Trump signaled he is open to meeting Putin and Zelensky—but only once a final agreement is near.

usanewstoday.net

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نوفمبر 26, 2025