US Diplomatic Maneuvers: Envoy Advises Russia on Ukraine Peace Strategy

Post by : Raina Nasser

In October 2025, Steve Witkoff, the US presidential envoy, conducted a crucial phone conversation with Yuri Ushakov, a key aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this discussion, Witkoff proposed strategies for Putin to communicate with then-US President Donald Trump regarding a potential peace settlement for the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The call occurred on October 14, just before President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was set to visit the White House. Witkoff recommended that it would be beneficial for Putin to connect with Trump prior to Zelensky's visit. He urged Ushakov to suggest that Putin congratulate Trump on his successful Gaza peace deal, emphasizing Russia’s endorsement of that agreement. Witkoff believed this approach could facilitate discussions about a similar peace framework for Ukraine.

Witkoff outlined that the US had developed a 20-point peace proposal and encouraged Russia to devise a comparable plan for Trump. He posited that such a move could help advance peace negotiations. Ushakov seemed receptive to the counsel, indicating that Putin would commend Trump as a "true peace advocate" and would be amenable to such dialogues.

Just two days later, on October 16, Trump and Putin engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour phone conversation at Russia’s request. Trump characterized the dialogue as “extremely productive” and announced intentions for a forthcoming meeting in Budapest, which has yet to materialize. He noted that Putin congratulated him on the Gaza peace arrangement.

In the aftermath, Witkoff met with another senior Kremlin advisor, Kirill Dmitriev, in Miami. Throughout this meeting and subsequent dialogues among Russian representatives, strategies regarding how assertively Russia should assert its demands in peace negotiations were deliberated. Russia aimed to secure maximal benefits, potentially including acknowledgment of its claims in regions like Crimea and parts of Donbas in Ukraine.

The peace initiative influenced by Witkoff evolved into a 28-point proposal promoted by the US as a foundation for negotiations. Nevertheless, Ukraine has encountered significant pressure to accept the plan, which involves substantial territorial concessions and a neutral zone in the eastern Donbas. Ukrainian authorities and European partners express grave concerns over these stipulations and their implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

During the phone call, Witkoff conveyed optimism regarding a peace agreement, mentioning potential land swaps and compromises. He indicated President Trump was prepared to grant him flexibility in negotiating such an arrangement. Ushakov responded positively, reflecting Moscow’s readiness to pursue ongoing discussions.

This dialogue sheds light on the intricacies of US-Russian diplomatic efforts and the formulation of peace proposals behind closed doors. While negotiations persist, the situation continues to be fraught with complexities and hurdles in the quest to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.