Leaked Witkoff Call Reveals U.S. Willingness to Bend Toward Russia in Ukraine Peace Push

A Push for Peace — But on Moscow’s Terms?

The call suggests that despite months of stalled diplomacy and repeated rejections from the Kremlin, President Trump remains intent on securing a peace deal, driven partly by humanitarian concerns and partly, according to some analysts, by his desire for a historic diplomatic win.

In recent months, the administration has undertaken an intense diplomatic campaign:

• Eight Trump–Putin phone calls
• Five Witkoff–Putin meetings
• A high-level summit in Alaska

The U.S. simultaneously maintained sanctions on major Russian oil companies and continued military support to Ukraine. Still, the leaked calls reveal a backchannel effort that critics say risks tilting the negotiating table toward Moscow.

Backchannel Diplomacy Raises Alarm in Washington

According to the transcript, Witkoff encouraged the Kremlin to speak directly with President Trump before an upcoming visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — a move that many lawmakers view as an attempt to pre-empt Ukrainian input.

Further leaks show Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev telling Ushakov that the upcoming U.S. plan would align “as close as possible” with Russian proposals.

The White House defended the contact.
Trump called the conversation “what a deal maker does,” and White House communications director Steven Cheung said Witkoff regularly speaks with both sides “to achieve peace.”

But in Congress, the backlash was swift — and bipartisan.
Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick called the secretive diplomacy “ridiculous side shows,” while Democrat Mike Quigley criticised the administration for failing to show necessary strength toward Moscow.

Russia Appears to Stall as U.S. Says a Deal is Close

Despite Trump’s claim that only “a few points of disagreement” remain in the latest peace plan, Moscow signalled hesitation.
Ushakov said the proposal had merely been “passed on,” with no serious discussions yet — a familiar pattern as Russia appears content to let negotiations drag on while continuing military operations.

Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has met Russian officials in the UAE and is expected to travel to Ukraine this week. Witkoff is preparing a new visit to Moscow as talks continue.

A Divisive Debate Over U.S. Strategy

Foreign policy experts remain split.
Some argue that U.S. leverage has diminished and concessions are necessary to stop the war. Others warn that the Trump administration’s approach risks emboldening Moscow and weakening trust among U.S. allies.

Critics say the inconsistent handling of negotiations has already widened rifts between Ukraine, Europe, and Washington.
Eric Green, former senior Russia director under the Biden administration, said the talks have “advanced Russian objectives” by creating divisions among Western partners.

What Comes Next?

With Washington divided, Kyiv anxious, and Moscow seemingly in no rush, the fate of the U.S. peace initiative remains uncertain. What is clear is that the leaked Witkoff call has intensified scrutiny of the Trump administration’s strategy — and raised fresh questions about whose terms will define any future peace.