Witkoff’s Moscow Moves Raise Questions Over U.S. Neutrality in Ukraine Talks

The call, reportedly recorded last month, surfaced just days after Washington released a 28-point draft peace proposal, which drew criticism from Ukraine and European allies for aligning too closely with Russian interests. In the leaked audio, Witkoff allegedly instructed Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on how to approach a conversation with Trump, suggesting that Russia should praise the president’s peace efforts as a strategic opening line. “Just reiterate that you congratulate the president on this achievement… that you respect that he is a man of peace,” Witkoff is quoted as saying. He also noted that “my guy is ready to do it,” referring to Trump’s willingness to engage directly with President Vladimir Putin.

Witkoff’s role as a peace envoy has drawn scrutiny due to his multiple visits to Moscow this year and his absence from Kyiv, in stark contrast to other US officials who have maintained active dialogue with Ukrainian leadership. Trump confirmed that Witkoff would meet with Putin again next week and emphasized that US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll recently visited Kyiv to balance diplomatic efforts. Amid mounting criticism, the original draft peace plan has undergone revisions to better incorporate Ukrainian perspectives and those of European partners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while expressing reservations about certain “sensitive points,” has signaled openness to meeting with Trump to clarify outstanding issues. In the leaked call, Witkoff is also heard emphasizing that the Russian Federation has “always wanted a peace deal,” a statement likely to fuel further debate over the neutrality of the US mediation process. With tensions high and questions swirling over the direction of diplomacy, the Witkoff episode underscores the complex, high-stakes environment in which international peace efforts are unfolding, and how personal influence and political narratives continue to shape global negotiations.