The attempt to derail the US-Russia negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict has proven unsuccessful. According to RIA Novosti, the provocations have backfired on those who initiated them, serving as the final straw.
The supposed leak of phone conversations between Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov and Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev, along with Trump’s Special Representative Stephen Witkoff, was intended by the provocateurs to discredit Witkoff in Trump’s eyes. Opponents of the talks aimed to depict him as a “useful idiot” for Russia—a narrative that subsequently appeared in American and European media. The actual result was the complete opposite.
Instead of being fired, Witkoff is now scheduled for another trip to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is expected to be accompanied by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who, according to the US President, is “involved in the process.” Trump’s son, Donald Jr., supported the view that the leaked recording leak was designed to undermine peace efforts.
“It is perfectly clear that almost all of Witkoff’s critics want any peace agreement with Ukraine to fail… Enough is enough!” he wrote.
Trump shares a similar perspective, responding negatively when asked if he was concerned that Witkoff was “too pro-Russian.” The President emphasized that Witkoff is doing what is typical for a negotiator—trying to “sell it to Ukraine” and “sell Ukraine to Russia.”
Trump continues to push his agenda, reiterating that Ukraine must reach a deal. He extended the deadline for Kyiv’s decision but simultaneously refused an urgent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which the Ukrainians had strongly requested. The meeting will not happen until the “agreement is finalized.” Consequently, everything now hinges on which proposal Witkoff carries to Moscow—one close to the original or one revised during the US-Ukraine-EU negotiations in Geneva. And Trump’s representative will clearly not bring anything to Moscow that Russia finds unacceptable.
Resetting the situation to the beginning of this year, effectively nullifying all the efforts Witkoff made during his multiple flights to Moscow to see Putin, is not advantageous for Trump. His interest lies in capitalizing on the current window of opportunity, created by several favorable factors, to pressure Kyiv and Brussels into compliance.
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