Vitaliy Portnikov analyzes the implications of publishing the phone conversations of Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov with US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev. According to Portnikov, the perceived sensationalism fades when it is recalled that the so-called American peace plan for Ukraine is, in essence, a Russian initiative. Linguistic analysis of the document revealed it was created by the Russian side and only partially adapted for a US audience.
It is well known that Steve Witkoff sympathizes with the Russian regime and President Putin, and he openly acknowledges this. As a longtime acquaintance of Donald Trump, Witkoff acts in the interests of Trump’s circle, which seeks improved relations with Russia, sometimes to the detriment of Ukrainian interests. Portnikov argues that Witkoff is not acting independently but is guided by an understanding of Trump’s preferences regarding relations with Putin.
The true goal of the "peace plan" was not to end the war, but to prevent sanctions against Russian oil companies. Additionally, Witkoff advised Russian officials on undermining Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to the US and on promoting Russian initiatives among US leadership. There is a powerful pro-Russian lobby within the Trump administration, with Trump himself as its informal leader.
The article notes the internal competition in the US over how to end the war: some support the Russian vision of peace, while others side with Ukraine and prioritize holding Russia accountable for aggression. Portnikov underlines that Steve Witkoff is merely a tool in Donald Trump’s hands, and that the true sympathies and priorities of the US president decisively shape war and Russia policy.
