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On November 25, Bloomberg published transcripts of discussions involving top Kremlin advisors Yuri Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, along with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. These conversations provide insight into the dynamics of U.S.-Russia negotiations regarding a potential peace settlement in Ukraine.
The leaked transcripts prompt questions about their motivations and the insights they offer into ongoing diplomatic efforts. This article examines key takeaways from the conversations and speculates about the source of the leak.
Insights from the transcripts
A notable aspect of the transcripts is Witkoff’s approach when speaking with Ushakov. Witkoff, exhibiting a friendly demeanor, offered unsolicited advice on engaging with President Trump. This approach aligns with Witkoff’s previous interactions with Russian officials, where he has frequently shown a willingness to promote communication. In earlier negotiations, he even bypassed traditional diplomatic protocols by attending meetings without an interpreter, which drew criticism.
In the context of these transcripts, Witkoff’s guidance on communicating with Trump may have been unnecessary, as Ushakov likely understood the nuances of dealing with the U.S. president. Nonetheless, Witkoff’s role as an intermediary raises questions about whether he acted independently or followed directives from the Trump administration.
Timing and implications of conversations
Another significant element of the transcripts is the timing of Witkoff’s facilitation of a call between Trump and Putin just before Ukrainian President Zelensky’s planned visit to the White House. While Witkoff did not clarify the urgency behind this conversation, it raises speculation about whether it was intended to disrupt the developing relationship between Washington and Kyiv. The ambiguity surrounding Witkoff’s intentions complicates the narrative, particularly as Trump’s public stance on supplying military aid to Ukraine was evolving at the time.
Witkoff’s past advocacy for a more conciliatory approach towards Moscow adds further complexity. His actions could be interpreted as undermining Ukraine’s position or as part of a broader strategy to ensure diplomatic engagement rather than military escalation.
Revealing the peace plan
Further insights emerge from the exchange between Ushakov and Dmitriev, suggesting a Russian proposal for peace. Although the specifics of this plan remain unclear, it appears that the U.S. administration may have used this informal Russian document as a framework for its own peace plan. This raises questions about the alignment between U.S. interests and Russian proposals, as phrases used in the conversations seem to reflect the Kremlin’s positions.
Speculation on the leak’s origin
Who could be behind the leak of these sensitive transcripts? Ushakov suggested the possibility of someone eavesdropping on his WhatsApp discussions, introducing technological considerations. Despite WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, investigative journalist Andrei Zakharov noted that it remains theoretically possible for a phone to be compromised by spyware or that traditional phone lines may have been utilized, allowing for interception.
Potential motives for the leak vary, with various factions within the U.S. administration and international actors having stakes in the outcome of ongoing negotiations. If the leak originated from within the White House, it could be viewed as a maneuver by political rivals of Witkoff, particularly given the contentious nature of Trump’s foreign policy strategies.
Context of the peace negotiations
Shortly before the release of the transcripts, Zelensky’s chief of staff indicated that significant progress had been made regarding the peace plan, suggesting an impending agreement. This implies that the timing of the leak could have been strategically aimed at undermining these negotiations, particularly if intended to cast doubt on Witkoff’s credibility.
The leaked transcripts prompt questions about their motivations and the insights they offer into ongoing diplomatic efforts. This article examines key takeaways from the conversations and speculates about the source of the leak.0
The leaked transcripts prompt questions about their motivations and the insights they offer into ongoing diplomatic efforts. This article examines key takeaways from the conversations and speculates about the source of the leak.1