A handful of US representatives have expressed outrage over a leaked recording in which the special envoy to Ukraine, Steve Witkoff, allegedly advised Moscow on how to navigate interactions with former President Donald Trump. This revelation has raised serious concerns among lawmakers about American officials providing guidance to a nation regarded as a US adversary. While some representatives have vocalized their discontent, many others have remained silent on the matter.
In a strong statement, Republican Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska called for Witkoff's immediate termination. He emphasized that for those who oppose the Russian invasion and support Ukraine's sovereignty, it is evident that Witkoff appears to side with Russian interests. Bacon expressed his belief that Witkoff cannot be trusted to lead negotiations, questioning whether a person acting on behalf of Russia could do any less. He stated, “He should be fired.”
Similarly, Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick characterized the leak as “a major problem,” highlighting it as one of the many reasons why “ridiculous side shows and secret meetings need to stop.” Fitzpatrick urged that the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, be allowed to operate in a fair and objective manner without interference.
Democratic Representative Ted Lieu took a more severe stance, labeling Witkoff an “actual traitor.” Lieu underscored the importance of Witkoff's allegiance to the United States rather than to Russia, criticizing his actions as detrimental to American interests.
The recording, obtained by Bloomberg, features a phone conversation on October 14 between Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this call, Witkoff indicated that achieving peace would necessitate Moscow’s control over the Donetsk region and potentially additional Ukrainian territories. He remarked, “Now, me to you, I know what it’s going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere,” according to Bloomberg's transcript.
Witkoff also provided tactical advice to Ushakov, suggesting how the Russian leader should address the situation with Trump, including the timing of a Trump-Putin phone call prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the White House.
On Wednesday, Ushakov appeared to validate the authenticity of the leaked call during a broadcast on Russian state television, suggesting that the leak was intended to “hinder” ongoing negotiations. He mentioned that Putin would commend Trump, referring to him as “a real peace man.” In contrast, Trump defended Witkoff, asserting that the envoy was merely engaging in standard negotiation tactics. “That’s what a dealmaker does,” Trump stated while onboard Air Force One, implying that Witkoff was likely offering similar advice to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Richard Grenell, the president’s special missions envoy, called for the leaker of the information to be identified and dismissed, rather than Witkoff. He emphasized the need to “find the leaker and fire them immediately,” labeling the anonymous source a risk to national security.
The leaked conversation also hinted at a controversial 28-point proposal that would require Ukraine to surrender the entirety of the Donetsk region, including areas currently under its control. This plan would establish these territories as a demilitarized buffer zone recognized internationally as part of Russia. It would also give Russia authority over Luhansk and Crimea, while freezing battle lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Despite nearly four years of conflict, Russia has not fully captured Donetsk. Earlier this month, Putin remarked that the US plan could potentially serve as the foundation for a final settlement, although the Kremlin claims it has not engaged in detailed discussions with Washington.