Ukraine: The Latest Trump: Putin is ‘making concessions’ in peace talks & US envoy Witkoff coaches Kremlin negotiator in leaked call
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Nov 26, 2025 Dominic Nicholls, Associate Editor (Defence), and James Kilner, foreign correspondent and Russia expert, delve into the recent leak revealing U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff coaching a Kremlin negotiator on appealing to Trump. They discuss the implications of this guidance on U.S.-Russia relations and Europe's political landscape. With insights on Putin's clever framing as a peacemaker amid ongoing conflicts, they also address Russia's economic challenges and recruitment issues. Expect sharp analysis and intriguing commentary on the shifting dynamics of the peace talks.
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Envoy Coaching Reveals Negotiation Vulnerability
- Leaked calls show Steve Witkoff coaching Kremlin negotiator Yuri Ushakov on how to win Donald Trump's favour in peace talks.
- The transcripts suggest US envoys may have unintentionally aided Russian influence in the negotiation process.
Russian-Origin Peace Plan Confirmed By Leak
- A second leaked call indicates Moscow drafted its own peace terms and aimed to have them adopted by the US.
- That supports reporting that the original 28-point plan originated in Russia and was pushed into Western channels.
Leaks Deepen Political Rift Over Talks
- The leaks provoked immediate political backlash and calls for Witkoff's removal from some US lawmakers.
- Reactions split: some see sabotage favouring Russia, others see attempts to derail talks that might disadvantage Ukraine.