A leaked transcript has unveiled that a senior aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump guided Russian officials on how to flatter him in an effort to advance a contentious peace proposal regarding Ukraine. The conversation, recorded on October 14, 2023, features Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to Russia, advising senior Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov on the rhetoric to employ when engaging with the U.S. leader.
In the transcript obtained by Bloomberg News, Witkoff suggested that Russian officials praise Trump for his recent efforts towards a ceasefire in Gaza, labeling him a “man of peace.” This guidance coincided with the introduction of a 28-point peace proposal that faced immediate criticism for its perceived bias toward Russian interests. Observers now view this transcript as evidence that the proposal was influenced by a strategy of diplomatic flattery aimed at securing Trump’s support.
Witkoff expressed to Ushakov that Russia “has always wanted a peace deal” and conveyed his “deepest respect” for Vladimir Putin. He recommended that Putin congratulate Trump on the Gaza ceasefire during a phone call, emphasizing admiration for Trump’s role as a peace broker. Witkoff went further, proposing the creation of a “20-point peace plan” for Ukraine, modeled after the Gaza ceasefire framework. He suggested that Putin present this plan directly to Trump and even mentioned the potential for territorial concessions to facilitate the deal.
According to the recording, Witkoff stated, “I know what it’s going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere.” He advised Ushakov to approach these proposals optimistically rather than bluntly. Shortly after this conversation, the controversial 28-point plan emerged, which critics described as heavily favoring Moscow. Key elements reportedly included significant territorial concessions from Ukraine, limitations on its military size, and a commitment from Kyiv to refrain from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
A second transcript reviewed by Bloomberg indicates that a Kremlin-linked economic official, Kirill Dmitriev, was instructed by Ushakov to assert Russia’s “maximum position.” Dmitriev noted that while Moscow might not achieve everything, the goal was to secure as many concessions as possible, with the U.S. side expected to present these demands as their own.
These leaked communications provide a rare insight into informal back-channel diplomacy, highlighting a reliance on persuasion and political theatrics over traditional state-to-state negotiations. In response to the leak, the White House did not dispute the authenticity of the transcript. Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that Witkoff’s interactions are part of his role to achieve peace, as appointed by Trump.
Trump characterized the tactics outlined in the leak as “standard negotiating procedure.” Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he remarked, “that’s what a dealmaker does.” Critics, however, have expressed deep concern. Some lawmakers argued that the exchange displayed a troubling undermining of formal diplomacy, with one U.S. representative suggesting that Witkoff’s actions made it appear as though he was “on Russia’s payroll.”
The leak has intensified suspicions that the 28-point plan was not a neutral American proposal but rather a rebranded version of a Russian-authored “non-paper.” Reports from diplomatic sources indicate that the plan drew heavily from that document. This revelation casts doubt on ongoing negotiations for peace in Ukraine, as the origins of the plan—partly stemming from covert lobbying by Russian-aligned figures—undermine its credibility in Kyiv and among NATO allies.
Many analysts view the leak as confirmation of earlier warnings that the so-called “peace plan” was a guise for advancing Russian interests, masquerading as impartial mediation. A flawed agreement obtained through flattery and back-channel persuasion risks creating not lasting peace but a fragile ceasefire that fails to address core issues, leaving the possibility of renewed conflict open. Consequently, this leak represents more than a scandal; it may signify a pivotal moment in the future of global peace negotiations and the trustworthiness of such diplomatic efforts.
