Trump downplays leaked Steve Witkoff audio, calls it 'standard negotiation' in Russia-Ukraine talks

WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump addressed a new controversy involving his special envoy after Bloomberg News shook the political arena on Tuesday, November 25, by publishing a leaked transcript.

The document details a conversation on October 14 between his special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov.

The document suggests that Witkoff instructed the Russian official on how best to appeal to Trump’s ego, seemingly to make him more receptive to Russia’s goals in negotiations over ending the war in Ukraine.

Donald Trump responds to Steve Witkoff's leaked transcript

Trump addressed a question from a journalist while onboard Air Force One, responding to allegations about an audio recording involving Witkoff. 

When asked whether he had heard a Bloomberg audio of Witkoff coaching the Russians on how to appeal to him, Trump said, "He had not listened to it."

However, he called it a "standard form of negotiation, stating that a dealmaker must present both sides’ positions."

Trump said, “He’s got to sell this to Ukraine. He’s got to sell Ukraine to Russia. That’s what a dealmaker does. You’ve got to say, ‘Look, they want this, you’ve got to convince them of this.’”

He added that he imagined Witkoff would be saying the same thing to Ukraine, because “each party has to give and take.”

Trump concluded that such discussions are normal in negotiations.

Witkoff will travel to Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump also stated that his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, might accompany Witkoff on the trip.

Steve Witkoff under fire amid peace plan discussions

The leaked conversation also reveals that Witkoff proposed Putin should call Trump before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s upcoming White House visit, with the apparent goal of flattering him in advance.

he further said that it will give the Kremlin an opportunity to press the case against giving Kyiv Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Witkoff also said, “I told the president that you - that the Russian Federation has always wanted a peace deal. That’s my belief. I told the president I believe that.”

However, US Rep Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska who has criticized Trump’s stance on Ukraine, argued that the transcript indicates Witkoff is biased toward Russia.

Bacon stated on social media, “He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired.”

Trump also showed his hope to meet “soon” with Putin and Zelensky, “but only when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages.”

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll is also scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials, with Ukraine reporting that he is expected to arrive in Kyiv later this week.

Russia has not yet reviewed the modified plan, which is still unpublished.

However, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that it must reflect the “spirit and letter” of the understanding reached between Trump and Putin during their Alaska summit earlier this year.