Bloomberg: U.S. Envoy Told Russia How to Pitch Ukraine Plan to Trump
A new Bloomberg report says U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff advised a top Russian official on how to present a Ukraine peace proposal to Donald Trump. According to audio reviewed by Bloomberg, Witkoff spoke with Putin aide Yuri Ushakov on Oct. 14 and suggested ways Russia could frame its pitch to win Trump’s support.
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The report says Witkoff encouraged Russia to open the conversation by praising Trump’s Gaza cease-fire deal and described Trump as a “man of peace.” He also referenced a “20-point Trump plan” and suggested building a similar framework with Moscow. The call occurred just weeks before the White House began floating a U.S.-Russia draft peace outline that Ukraine has strongly rejected.
The White House did not deny the authenticity of the audio and told reporters it was “aware” of the report. Trump responded aboard Air Force One, calling Witkoff’s remarks “standard negotiation” and saying, “He’s got to sell this to Ukraine. He’s got to sell Ukraine to Russia. That’s what a dealmaker does.” Trump added that “people are starting to realize it’s a good deal for both parties,” referring to the broader peace talks.
Ukraine and several European allies have publicly pushed back on the emerging plan, warning it appears to mirror Russian interests and could limit Ukraine’s sovereignty, security guarantees, and future NATO prospects.
Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow for further talks.