Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
In October 2025, US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in a consequential phone conversation with Yuri Ushakov, a top advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this exchange, Witkoff proposed strategies for Putin to present a peace deal regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to then-US President Donald Trump.
The dialogue occurred on October 14, just prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's planned visit to the White House. Witkoff encouraged Ushakov, suggesting it would be beneficial for Putin to connect with Trump before Zelensky’s arrival. He advised that Putin should commend Trump for his recent success in mediating a peace agreement in Gaza, emphasizing Russia's backing for that initiative. Witkoff believed this gesture could facilitate discussions surrounding a similar peace agenda for Ukraine.
Witkoff informed that the US had developed a 20-point peace framework and proposed that Russia could introduce a comparable plan to Trump. He expressed that such an effort might advance peace discussions. Ushakov seemed receptive, noting that Putin would regard Trump as a "real peace man" and indicated a willingness to engage in such conversations.
Shortly after, on October 16, Trump and Putin participated in a two-and-a-half-hour phone call at the behest of Russia. Trump termed the discussion as “very productive” and shared intentions for a future meeting in Budapest, which is yet to happen. He also stated that Putin congratulated him on the reconciliation achievement in Gaza.
Following this, Witkoff convened with another senior Kremlin official, Kirill Dmitriev, in Miami. During their discussions, along with further communications from Russian officials, tactics were contemplated on how vigorously Russia should advocate for its demands in negotiations. Russia's strategy intended to optimize its advantages, including potential recognition of its claims to territories in Ukraine such as Crimea and sections of the Donbas.
The peace proposal Witkoff assisted in crafting evolved into a 28-point plan advocated by the US as a foundational basis for dialogue. Nonetheless, Ukraine has been under significant pressure to acquiesce to this plan, which entails considerable territorial concessions and the establishment of a neutral zone within the eastern Donbas area. Ukrainian leaders, along with their European counterparts, have voiced assorted worries regarding these stipulations and the subsequent ramifications on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Throughout the phone conversation, Witkoff conveyed optimism regarding the prospect of an agreement, mentioning potential land exchanges and compromises. He indicated that President Trump was prepared to grant him the authority to negotiate such a settlement. Ushakov responded affirmatively, signaling Moscow's readiness to pursue continued discussions.
This dialogue sheds light on US-Russian diplomatic initiatives and the underlying intricacies of peace proposal formulations. As talks progress, the landscape remains complicated with persistent hurdles in addressing the Ukrainian conflict.
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