November 26, 2025

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff transcript shows him coaching Russian counterpart on getting better Ukraine peace deal terms

Bloomberg audio reveals how Trump's envoy coached Russia on presenting their own peace plan to get better terms

Leaked October 14 call transcript shows Trump envoy Steve Witkoff coaching Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov on how Putin should pitch Ukraine peace terms to Trump.

Bloomberg reviewed audio showing Witkoff advising Russia how to present a Russia-written 28-point plan.

Trump defended the coaching as "standard negotiation."

Bloomberg reviewed and transcribed an Oct. 14, 2025 call between Steve WitkoffSteve Witkoff (Trump's special envoy) and Yuri UshakovYuri Ushakov (Putin's top foreign policy adviser). The audio shows Witkoff coaching Ushakov on how Putin should pitch peace terms to Trump during their upcoming call. The leaked transcript provides direct evidence of US envoy helping Russia craft its messaging strategy.

Witkoff advised Ushakov to frame Russian demands in ways Trump would accept. The coaching session occurred before Trump and Putin's Oct. 16 call that preceded release of the controversial 28-point peace plan. Russia had written the original plan that US officials then presented to Ukraine. The transcript shows American envoy actively helping adversary prepare for negotiations.

Trump defended Witkoff aboard Air Force One Nov. 26, calling the coaching 'a standard thing.' Trump said envoys must 'sell Ukraine to Russia' and vice versa. He characterized helping Russia prepare its pitch as normal dealmaking. Trump hasn't heard the audio but said the characterization didn't concern him.

Critics said the transcript shows Witkoff carrying water for Russia rather than seeking balanced deal. The US special envoy was coaching America's adversary (Russia) against America's strategic partner (Ukraine). Trump dismissed concerns and sent Witkoff back to Moscow to finalize details. The pattern matches Trump's documented deference to Putin across both his terms.

Former Ambassador Bridget BrinkBridget Brink warned the coaching undermines Ukrainian negotiating position. When US envoy helps Russia craft better arguments, Ukraine loses leverage. The leaked call explains why the initial 28-point plan heavily favored Moscow—American negotiator was actively assisting Russian talking points.

Witkoff has no foreign policy experience. Trump selected his longtime friend and real estate developer as chief negotiator. Critics questioned qualifications for high-stakes diplomacy. The leaked transcript validates concerns about Witkoff's go-it-alone style prioritizing Trump's relationship with Putin over Ukrainian sovereignty.

🌍Foreign Policy🔐Ethics🛡️National Security

What You Can Do

1

civic action

Call the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at 202-224-4651 to demand hearings on whether informal envoys can coach Russian negotiators on Ukraine deal terms

Ask the committee to investigate Steve Witkoff's role and set clear rules for private intermediaries in talks with Russia over Ukraine

Hi, I'm calling as a constituent to urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold public hearings on Steve Witkoff's reported contacts with Russian officials about a Ukraine deal.

Key points to mention:

  • News reports and released transcripts say Trump envoy Steve Witkoff coached a Russian counterpart on how to get better terms in talks over ending the war in Ukraine.
  • The discussion reportedly involved sanctions relief and territory questions that are central to U.S. and allied policy.
  • Private intermediaries working outside normal diplomatic channels can undercut official negotiations and make it harder to hold Russia accountable.

How this impacts U.S. foreign policy:

  • When unofficial envoys send mixed signals, it can weaken the United States' leverage with allies and with Russia.
  • It raises questions about whether private business interests are being mixed with national security decisions.

Questions to ask:

  • Will the committee call Steve Witkoff and relevant State Department officials to testify about what promises or suggestions were made to Russian officials?
  • What safeguards does the committee believe are needed when private citizens are used as intermediaries in high-stakes diplomacy?
  • How will Congress ensure that any Ukraine negotiations reflect U.S. law, sanctions policy, and commitments to Ukrainian sovereignty?

Specific request: I want the committee to open hearings and establish clear rules and transparency requirements for informal envoys who communicate with Russia or other adversaries about major conflicts like the war in Ukraine.

Thank you for your time.

2

understanding

Read investigative reporting and primary documents on Steve Witkoff's Russia contacts

Review released transcripts, emails, and news investigations so you can speak concretely about what was discussed with Russian officials

3

civic action

Email your representatives about private envoys coaching Russian negotiators

Ask your members of Congress to demand transparency regarding Steve Witkoff's reported coaching of Russian officials on Ukraine deal terms

Subject: Concerns about private envoys in Russia-Ukraine negotiations

Dear [Representative/Senator Name],

I'm writing to express my alarm at reports that Trump envoy Steve Witkoff coached Russian officials on how to secure better terms in Ukraine peace negotiations.

Why this matters:

  • Private intermediaries working outside official diplomatic channels can undermine U.S. policy and allied unity.
  • Coaching an adversary on how to get sanctions relief or territory concessions contradicts the purpose of U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty.
  • Transparency is essential to ensure that national security decisions aren't being driven by private interests.

My request: Please support Congressional hearings to investigate these contacts and establish clear rules for informal envoys. We need to know what was promised to Russian officials and whether it aligns with U.S. law and values.

Thank you for your leadership.

How to find your representative:

  • If you're using the Principle app, open the Representatives section to see who currently represents your district and state.
  • If you don't see your representatives there, you can:
    • Find your House member at house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
    • Find your Senators at senate.gov/senators