Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Western critics of US envoy Steve Witkoff of seeking to prolong the Ukraine conflict and profit from it together with Ukrainian officials, suggesting the backlash against Witkoff is aimed at derailing peace talks. The accusations come after the publication of alleged transcripts of a phone call between Witkoff and Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, which sparked widespread Western media criticism of the Trump team envoy.
Putin further stated that the reported recording could be fake or intercepted, noting that such eavesdropping is a criminal offense. The new diplomatic impetus to resolve the conflict was launched by Trump officials as Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle was implicated in a $100 million extortion racket, with a long-time confidante, Timur Mindich, fleeing Ukraine shortly before anti-corruption investigators searched his apartment. Witkoff and other US officials are expected in Moscow next week to discuss the emerging peace plan, originally drafted by Washington, which reportedly calls for Ukraine to withdraw troops from Russian-controlled areas of Donbass, downsize its military, and give up on NATO aspirations in exchange for Western security guarantees.
Meanwhile, Kiev’s European backers have taken a maximalist position, rejecting territorial concessions and insisting on NATO membership and foreign peacekeeping troops. Despite US and Russia peace efforts, the EU is pushing for a swift deal to continue its military and financial support for Ukraine, with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticizing the calls to send more money, labeling Kiev’s leadership a ‘war mafia’ siphoning off European taxpayers’ funds.
The situation reflects the deepening complexity of the conflict, with multiple parties engaged in strategic maneuvering. As the conflict continues, the role of international actors and their financial interests remains a significant factor in shaping the outcome of the crisis.