Secret Recording Reveals US Envoy's Controversial Moscow Advice
A leaked recording of a telephone conversation involving US envoy Steve Witkoff has ignited political firestorm in Washington, revealing he provided Moscow with guidance on how to approach Donald Trump. The disclosure comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding a proposed Ukraine peace plan that several Republican lawmakers claim disproportionately benefits Russia.
Steve Witkoff's handling of the proposed peace agreement has drawn harsh condemnation from congressional Republicans, creating significant divisions within the party. Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed deep scepticism about the plan's effectiveness.
"This so-called 'peace plan' has real problems, and I am highly sceptical it will achieve peace," Wicker stated, reflecting growing concerns among Republican leadership about the direction of US involvement in Ukraine peace negotiations.
Republican Backlash and Internal Divisions
The political fallout intensified dramatically after reports confirmed that Witkoff had reportedly coached Moscow officials on handling communications with Trump. Republican representative Don Bacon didn't mince words in his assessment, taking to social media platform X to voice his outrage.
"For those who oppose the Russian invasion and want to see Ukraine prevail as a sovereign & democratic country, it is clear that Witkoff fully favours the Russians," Bacon wrote. "He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired."
Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick described the leaked recording as evidence of why "these ridiculous side shows and secret meetings need to stop." The controversy has exposed deepening rifts within Republican ranks, with Senator Mitch McConnell suggesting Trump might need to find new advisers.
This prompted immediate pushback from Trump allies, with Vice-president JD Vance characterising McConnell's comments as a "ridiculous attack." Donald Trump Jr. added fuel to the fire, claiming on social media that McConnell was "just bitter and lashing out against my father."
Ukrainian Frontline Perspectives and European Concerns
Americans directly involved in supporting Ukraine's war effort have expressed dismay at Trump's continuing pressures on Kyiv. Ben Makuch's reporting indicates that some view the US-led peace initiative as tantamount to betrayal.
One American special forces veteran who has trained and advised Ukrainian military units didn't hold back: "Complete bullshit and a betrayal by Trump. But are you even surprised?" Another Nato veteran currently training Ukrainian soldiers suggested financial motivations were driving US government actions, describing the proposed plan as "pathetic."
Meanwhile, Russia has responded cautiously to the ongoing peace discussions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian state television that talks to end the conflict were "serious" and the draft proposal required "truly serious analysis."
"Some aspects can be viewed positively, but many require special discussions among experts," Ushakov commented, though the original plan faced substantial criticism for allegedly resembling a Russian "wish list."
European leaders have voiced significant concerns about the proposed agreement. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen warned against "the unilateral carving up of a sovereign European nation" as European powers scramble to maintain influence over peace negotiations.
Speaking on Wednesday, von der Leyen noted that Russia shows "no signs of true willingness to end the conflict" and issued a stark warning: "If today we legitimise and formalise the undermining of borders, we open the doors for more wars tomorrow, and we cannot let this happen."
While von der Leyen welcomed Trump's peace efforts, she emphasised that Europe harbours numerous concerns about specific details within the original 28-point proposal.
Military Reality and Economic Support
The diplomatic manoeuvring occurs against a backdrop of continued Russian military advances. According to data analysed by AFP from the American Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces have captured an average of 467 square kilometres each month in 2025 – representing an acceleration compared to 2024.
Moscow's troops are currently battling for control of four crucial settlements in the Donetsk region: Lyman, Siversk, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk. The potential loss of these positions would significantly weaken Kyiv's defensive capabilities and supply routes, placing the last major Ukrainian-controlled settlements in the region – Sloviansk and Kramatorsk – in serious jeopardy.
On the economic front, the International Monetary Fund announced on Wednesday it had reached a staff-level agreement on a new four-year, $8.2 billion programme for Ukraine. This comes as the country faces mounting fiscal pressures from the ongoing conflict.
The new agreement replaces the existing $15.6 billion Extended Fund Facility approved in March 2023. In its statement, the IMF emphasised that "Russia's war continues to take a heavy toll on Ukraine's people and its economy," underscoring the urgent need for continued international financial support.
