New York, November 27, 2025
Former President Donald Trump has publicly defended his envoy Steve Witkoff following leaked audio suggesting Witkoff coached a senior Russian official on how to present peace terms to Trump, as Witkoff prepares for talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Leaked Audio Reveals Diplomatic Coaching
The recently surfaced audio appears to capture Steve Witkoff advising Russian officials on how to frame their peace proposal in a manner likely to appeal to Trump. The guidance reportedly included tactics intended to reduce pressure on Russia, such as discouraging additional weapons shipments to Ukraine, signaling a strategic effort to influence the negotiation’s optics.
Upcoming Moscow Negotiations and Peace Plan Revision
Witkoff is slated to travel to Moscow soon for formal talks with President Vladimir Putin, focusing on advancing a peace initiative in the ongoing Ukraine war. The peace plan has been notably revised, shrinking from an original 28 points to 19, though detailed content of these proposals has not been publicly disclosed.
Trump’s Defense Amid Controversy
In response to the leaked audio and ensuing scrutiny, Trump dismissed concerns by characterizing Witkoff’s actions as typical negotiation behavior. He emphasized that coaching and strategic guidance are common in diplomatic efforts and reiterated his support for Witkoff’s approach despite any domestic criticism.
Tense International Context
The diplomatic endeavor comes against an intense backdrop of active Russian military operations and broader geopolitical uncertainty. The Kremlin’s reaction to the revised peace plan remains unclear, with ongoing hostilities underscoring the fragility of these negotiations.
Implications for US-Russia Diplomatic Dynamics
The leak underlines the complexity and sensitivity inherent in US-Russia diplomatic channels during this conflict. Witkoff’s role as Trump’s envoy and the resulting public exposure of negotiation tactics may affect trust and transparency perceptions among various stakeholders involved in the peace process.
Witkoff’s Role and Geopolitical Significance
As an envoy personally endorsed by Trump, Witkoff’s involvement reflects the former president’s continued engagement in international diplomacy, particularly in matters concerning the Ukraine conflict. The peace talks he is advancing could influence global stability if successful, but the episode also highlights the contentious and delicate nature of back-channel negotiations at a pivotal moment.