Trump Defends Witkoff Amid Alleged Leaked Envoy Coaching Russia
The recent controversy surrounding special envoy Steve Witkoff has prompted US President Donald Trump to defend his actions. Amid allegations of leaked audio, Trump stated that Witkoff was merely performing his role in negotiating peace amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump’s Defense of Witkoff
While speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump emphasized that Witkoff was conducting standard practices in his role. He mentioned that Witkoff’s objective is to effectively present the peace plan to both Russia and Ukraine. This defense comes following the emergence of a leaked call reportedly from October 14.
Details of the Leaked Call
In the leaked conversation, Witkoff advised Yuri Ushakov, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, on how to engage with Trump. Trump noted that he had not listened to the recording but regarded the interaction as a regular part of diplomatic negotiations.
- Witkoff suggested Ushakov congratulate Trump to facilitate future talks.
- He mentioned the existence of a potential 20-point peace proposal reminiscent of previous negotiations in Gaza.
Context of the Peace Negotiations
This controversy comes shortly after a 28-point draft peace plan was put forward by the US. This plan was criticized for favoring Russian positions regarding their ongoing war in Ukraine. The proposals included territorial concessions to Russia, sparking backlash from Ukrainian and European leaders.
Witkoff’s Engagement in Moscow
Witkoff has made multiple visits to Moscow this year. He is set to meet with Putin again next week. However, he has not yet visited Kyiv for direct talks with Ukrainian officials. During this period, other US officials, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, have traveled to Kyiv for discussions.
Reactions and Upcoming Meetings
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed interest in meeting Trump to address lingering concerns about the peace proposals. Trump’s previous stance showed frustration with Putin, hinting at supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles to counter the conflict.
Implications of the Leaked Audio
Ushakov criticized the leak, suggesting that it could complicate diplomatic relations. It remains uncertain who leaked the information, but it appears to involve multiple conversations among Russian officials, including Kirill Dmitriev.
This situation underscores the complexities of international negotiations and the ongoing struggle to secure peace between conflicting parties. The upcoming meetings involving Witkoff, Trump, and Zelensky will be critical in shaping the future of US-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
