The US is facing a new scandal after Bloomberg published tapes of conversations between Vladimir Putin's aide Ushakov and Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Vitkoff. The audio reveals that Vitkoff advocated not for American, but for Russian interests during talks on resolving the war in Ukraine.
It was found that the 28-point plan presented by the US side was originally drafted by the Russians. In conversations between Ushakov and Dmitriev, the Russian side defined its proposals, which were later informally relayed to the Americans. The American administration presented the plan as its own, despite its Russian origins.
Despite the scandal, Trump continues to take a pro-Russian stance, refusing an early meeting with President Zelensky and tying talks to progress toward a peace deal.
On the tapes, Vitkoff advises the Russians on how to win Trump’s favor and even recommends demanding control over all of Donetsk region. According to reports, his influence may have prevented Ukraine from receiving strategic US weaponry.
The scandal is a major topic in the US, with both political parties using it for their own agendas. Theories about the source of the leak range from US intelligence, Russian services, to possibly even Ukrainian entities.
Experts stress that the Ukrainian Armed Forces remain Ukraine’s main security guarantee. Military and government reforms are called necessary to strengthen Ukraine’s positions both on the battlefield and in negotiations. Donations for drones remain vital for army support, as evidenced by expressions of gratitude and video messages from soldiers.
No immediate consequences from the tapes’ publication are observed yet, but the scandal could impact the US administration’s support for Ukraine moving forward.
