Russia Holds Firm on Ukraine Peace, Dismisses Witkoff Leak as Hybrid Warfare Amidst US Envoy's Moscow Visit

Russia Holds Firm on Ukraine Peace, Dismisses Witkoff Leak as Hybrid Warfare

Russia has unequivocally stated it will not make significant concessions regarding a peace agreement for Ukraine, dismissing a recently leaked recording involving US envoy Steve Witkoff as an "unacceptable attempt to undermine peace efforts" and a form of "hybrid warfare." This declaration comes as Witkoff prepares for talks in Moscow next week with other senior US officials to discuss a potential resolution to the nearly four-year-old conflict.

The controversy intensified after a leaked call revealed Witkoff, a US special envoy, apparently advising a senior Russian official on how to present a peace proposal to then-President Donald Trump. This leak has ignited considerable concern in Kyiv and among European allies, who fear the proposed framework may heavily favor Moscow's demands. Specifically, worries center on provisions that could bar Ukraine from NATO membership, enshrine Russian control over a significant portion of Ukrainian territory (nearly a fifth), and impose limits on Ukraine's military size.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to advance a US-backed peace framework, indicating a willingness to discuss contentious points directly with the US president and insisting that European allies must be included in such crucial conversations.

US Policy Shifts and Republican Criticism

US policy towards the Ukraine war has seen shifts, notably since a hastily arranged summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska. While that meeting initially sparked fears of Washington accepting Russian demands, it ultimately led to increased US pressure on Russia. However, the latest peace proposal, along with the leaked Witkoff call, has reignited anxieties that the Trump administration might be inclined to push Ukraine into a deal heavily skewed towards Russia.

Even within the Republican party, typically aligned with Trump, the leak has drawn sharp criticism. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick publicly called the Witkoff call "a major problem" and advocated for an immediate halt to "ridiculous side shows and secret meetings." Senator Mitch McConnell, a prominent Republican, echoed these sentiments, asserting that "America isn't a neutral arbiter, and we shouldn't act like one," adding that any deal rewarding aggression would be worthless.

Despite these concerns and Russian forces advancing in Ukraine, Trump had previously suggested progress was being made and Moscow was making concessions. However, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, while acknowledging the Trump administration's efforts, firmly stated, "There can be no question of any concessions, or any surrender of our approaches to those key points."

The Leaked Transcript and Moscow's Response

The leaked transcript, obtained by Bloomberg News, detailed a conversation between Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy aide. In this call, Witkoff reportedly advised Ushakov on framing the peace plan for Trump. Trump himself downplayed the incident on Air Force One, describing it as typical "dealmaker" behavior and a "very standard form of negotiation." Moscow, however, viewed the leak as a deliberate act of hybrid warfare aimed at sabotaging peace initiatives. Ushakov confirmed using WhatsApp for multiple discussions with Witkoff, prompting the Russian newspaper Kommersant to question who was behind the leak. Bloomberg News stands by its report.

Outlook on Future Peace Talks

Looking ahead, Witkoff is expected to meet with Putin, and Jared Kushner, known for his role in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, is also slated to be involved. While Ushakov confirmed Witkoff's upcoming visit to Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioned that it was "premature" to discuss a peace deal being close. With Russian forces controlling over 19 percent of Ukraine and making continuous, albeit costly, advancements since 2022, the prospects for an imminent resolution remain complex and fraught with diplomatic challenges.