Trump defends Witkoff after leak appears to show envoy coaching Russia
Summary
President Donald Trump defended special envoy Steve Witkoff after a leaked call suggested Witkoff advised a Russian official on how to engage with Trump. The call came amid peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with Witkoff reportedly suggesting strategies for communication with Trump. The peace plan initially favored Russian interests, but was later revised to address Ukrainian and European concerns.Key Facts
- President Trump defended Steve Witkoff, a special envoy, after a leaked call where Witkoff seemed to advise a Russian official.
- The call appeared to show Witkoff coaching Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser, on how to engage Trump.
- A leaked recording revealed Witkoff suggesting congratulatory remarks directed towards Trump to smooth discussions.
- Witkoff has visited Moscow several times but has not been to Kyiv as part of his envoy role.
- The initial US peace plan for Ukraine reportedly aligned with Russian interests but was later modified.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed readiness to meet Trump to discuss unresolved issues.
- Diplomatic efforts continue, with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll visiting Kyiv and Trump planning further talks with Ukraine.
- The leaked call possibly aimed to disrupt relations, as suggested by Russian official Yuri Ushakov.
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