A startling revelation has sent shockwaves through international diplomacy concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while according to Bloomberg Media, a leaked transcript of a phone call indicates that Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special peace envoy, advised Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy advisor, last month on how Putin should persuade Trump regarding a Ukraine peace plan. The details emerged from the transcript of a call on October 14, lasting just over five minutes, which has now been published by 'Bloomberg News,' sparking considerable commotion in both Washington and Moscow.
The 'Formula' to Persuade Trump
As per the leaked transcript, US peace envoy Witkoff, who also brokered the Gaza ceasefire agreement, suggested to Russian advisor Ushakov that Putin should call Trump. This phone call took place a day after the Gaza ceasefire deal, following Trump's return from a trip to Israel and Egypt, while witkoff advised that Putin should congratulate Trump on the Gaza peace agreement and state that Russia fully supported it. He further suggested that Putin should express respect for Trump as a peace-loving individual, thereby creating a positive atmosphere for discussions.
Witkoff elaborated on his advice, suggesting that Putin should tell Trump, 'Steve and Yuri have discussed a 20-point peace plan, similar to the Gaza model, while we can move a little further with this. ' He emphasized the importance of keeping the conversation optimistic and avoiding immediate focus on contentious issues such as the occupation of Donetsk or land swaps. Witkoff stated, 'I know that land swaps in Donetsk and elsewhere are necessary for peace, but speak optimistically, because we will make a deal. ' He also advised Ushakov that Putin should speak with Trump by phone before Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to the White House, as 'Trump will give me a lot of leeway for the deal.
Reactions from Moscow and Washington
When approached for comment by Russian state media, Yuri Ushakov didn't question the authenticity of the recording but claimed it wasn't leaked from Moscow. He asserted that these calls were leaked to 'disrupt' US-Russia relations. Ushakov confirmed having spoken with Witkoff 'many times' but declined to comment on the specific content of the transcript, while on the other hand, the White House also didn't object to the veracity of the transcript. Trump himself described it as a 'standard negotiation process. ' White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that this proves Witkoff speaks daily with Russian and Ukrainian officials for peace, which is Trump's objective.
Political Uproar and Expert Views
The leak of the transcript has caused an uproar in political circles. Experts described it as 'shocking,' particularly in light of Trump's recent expressions of frustration with Putin for continuing the war. This incident has raised new questions about the Trump administration's diplomatic strategy. A phone call between Trump and Putin did occur on October 16, which Trump described as 'progressive,' but a proposed meeting in Budapest was subsequently canceled.
Further Diplomatic Maneuvers
Trump announced on Tuesday that he's sending Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll to Ukraine, while Witkoff will meet Putin in Moscow, while he also hinted at a potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy but stressed that progress in negotiations is necessary first. The US's 28-point plan has reportedly evolved to give more weight to Ukraine's interests, with some issues still pending. This event sheds new light on the Trump administration's diplomacy regarding the Ukraine crisis. Will Witkoff's advice pave the way for peace, or is it merely a strategic maneuver? The world watches closely to see the ultimate outcome of these diplomatic efforts.
