Steve Witkoff guided top Putin aide on flattering Trump during Ukraine talks, leaked call reveals

WASHINGTON, DC: A leaked call sent shockwaves through the political world on Tuesday, November 25. The transcript reveals a conversation between President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and top Russian foreign-policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, who serves as an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The call took place on October 14, 2025. It shows Witkoff coaching the Russians on how to use flattery to make the president more receptive to Moscow’s goals during negotiations to end the war in Ukraine (the peace plan).

The transcript has stunned many observers. Commentators and analysts were quick to voice their surprise and concern over the tone and content of the exchange.

Leaked call shows Steve Witkoff coaching Russia on Trump peace talks

The leaked phone call shows what Steve Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov were really discussing as they quietly worked on Donald Trump’s new 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The call lasted only five minutes, but it appeared to lay out Witkoff’s strategy for shaping the talks and giving Russia advice ahead of key negotiations, according to Bloomberg.

According to the transcript, Witkoff urged Ushakov to have Vladimir Putin open the call with Trump by offering warm praise and congratulations. “I would make the call and just reiterate that you congratulate the president on this achievement, that you supported it, supported it, that you respect that he is a man of peace, and you’re just, you’re really glad to have seen it happen,” Witkoff said.

Ushakov quickly indicated he understood the tactic. “Hey Steve, I agree with you that he will congratulate, he will say that Mr Trump is a real peace man, and so and so. That he will say,” Ushakov replied.

Witkoff then shifted to the substance of the negotiations, explaining what he believed a workable peace deal would require. “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 told Ushakov. He added that the conversation should remain optimistic. “But I’m saying instead of talking like that, let’s talk more hopefully because I think we’re going to get to a deal here,” he continued.

Witkoff pointed to the Gaza peace plan he helped create and said the US and Russia could follow a similar model. “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.

The timing of the call was significant, it occurred just days before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to visit the White House. Witkoff pressed Ushakov to arrange a direct conversation between Trump and Putin before that meeting. “I will go to that meeting because they want me there, but I think if possible, we have the call with your boss before that Friday meeting,” he advised.

Internet slams leaked Trump–Russia call transcripts

Rep Brian Fitzpatrick wrote, "This is a major problem. And one of the many reasons why these ridiculous side shows and secret meetings need to stop. Allow Secretary of State Marco Rubio to do his job in a fair and objective manner."

An X user wrote, "But I read in the US news this was all Steve and Jared, with 'input' from the Russians."

“‘At least it’ll be as close to it as possible’ indeed it was," shared another user.

Another commenter added, "Steve Witkoff orchestrated the phone call that sabotaged Zelensky's White House visit last month, when Tomahawks for Ukraine were on the table. Absolutely unreal."

'Nothing like representing the US and its national interests. This is treasonous,' said one user.

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