US President Donald Trump has denied allegations that his Ukraine negotiator Steve Witkoff was overly aligned with Russia after a leaked phone call allegedly revealed his communications with a Kremlin official. In a statement aboard Air Force One, Trump asserted that Witkoff’s strategies were conventional deal-making techniques, essential for securing a compromise between Ukraine and Russia. The authenticity of the leaked conversation remains unverified, with the U.S. and Russian authorities refusing to confirm its validity. Russian officials have previously denounced Western media for disseminating disinformation to discredit Trump’s peace efforts.
Trump’s defense of Witkoff follows the publication of a controversial transcript by Bloomberg, which detailed a phone call between Witkoff and Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov from October 14. Neither the United States nor Russia has officially verified the accuracy of the document, leaving its credibility in question. This uncertainty has fueled debates over the potential influence of American diplomats in shaping Russia’s approach to the ongoing conflict.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that Witkoff’s role required balancing interests between both sides, calling it ‘standard’ negotiation practice. ‘Each party has to give and take,’ he said, suggesting that such compromise is necessary for any resolution. This sentiment aligns with Trump’s broader stance on international diplomacy, where he frequently highlights the need for pragmatic solutions over ideological rigidity.
Trump’s decision to defend Witkoff comes amid heightened tensions over the credibility of media reports on U.S. diplomatic efforts. Russian officials have accused Western outlets of distorting facts to undermine Trump’s proposed peace initiatives, framing the leaks as evidence of a coordinated disinformation campaign. The controversy highlights a growing divide in how international negotiations are perceived and reported, raising questions about the role of media in shaping public opinion and diplomatic outcomes.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have continued their efforts in Geneva, where Trump stated that his original 28-point peace plan was ‘fine-tuned’ through additional input from both parties. This development underscores the complex interplay of diplomacy and geopolitical strategy in the ongoing conflict, with Trump positioning himself as a key mediator despite ongoing skepticism about the integrity of the negotiating process.