"The transcripts were released just as Trump's peace plan appears to be making headway. During the phone call, Witkoff allegedly advises Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser, on how to manage Trump. The news outlet says the recording is from a call in mid-October, right after Trump sanctioned Russia's two biggest oil companies. NPR has not independently verified the contents of the transcript."
"NPR's Eleanor Beardsley tells Up First she spoke with Ukrainian parliament member and chair of the foreign affairs committee Oleksandr Merezhko, who says he is not surprised by this development. Merezhko called for Witkoff's replacement six months ago, citing incompetence and lack of understanding regarding Ukraine and the origins of the war. Merezhko says that Ukrainians know they are dealing with people in Trump's entourage who take Russia's side, but they have to deal with them regardless of who they are."
"Trump remains focused on ending the war in Ukraine and is sending top aides to both Moscow and Kyiv to work through differences in his latest peace plan. NPR's Franco Ordonez reports that Ukraine and Russia are not necessarily closer to reaching a deal, even though the two countries are exchanging ideas on how to end the war with the U.S."
Bloomberg released transcripts showing U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff coached a Russian adviser on how to pitch a Ukraine peace deal to President Trump. The recording allegedly captures Witkoff advising Yuri Ushakov on how to manage Trump and dates from mid-October. NPR has not verified the transcript. Ukrainian parliament member Oleksandr Merezhko said he was not surprised and had earlier called for Witkoff's replacement, citing incompetence and poor understanding of Ukraine and the war's origins. Trump is sending aides to Moscow and Kyiv as his peace plan advances, though Ukraine and Russia are not necessarily closer to a deal.
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