NATO Releases Data on Russian Losses as Kremlin Denounces Witkoff Recordings
WASHINGTON – NATO today published updated estimates of Russian military casualties in Ukraine, revealing ample losses in personnel and equipment as the conflict nears its second anniversary. Simultaneously, the Kremlin sharply criticized newly surfaced recordings of Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, sparking controversy over potential peace negotiation strategies perceived as favoring Moscow.
The release of NATO’s figures-details of which were not immediately disclosed but described by officials as “significant”-comes amid heightened scrutiny of Russia’s war capabilities and Western support for Ukraine.The timing coincides with the emergence of a five-minute recording from October 14th, obtained by Bloomberg and afterward reported by German media outlet fr.de, featuring a conversation involving witkoff. The Kremlin alleges the recordings demonstrate a willingness within Trump’s orbit to pursue a peace plan beneficial to President Vladimir Putin.
Former U.S.President Donald Trump defended Witkoff during a flight to Florida, dismissing accusations of pro-Russian bias as “a completely normal thing,” according to reports. He made the statement after a journalist questioned him about the Bloomberg-reported transcript. The recordings have ignited debate among U.S. republican lawmakers and foreign policy analysts regarding the direction of potential future negotiations should Trump regain the presidency.
fr.de reported that Witkoff’s remarks in the recording raised concerns about concessions potentially offered to Russia, including territorial adjustments. The Kremlin has not specified which aspects of the recordings it finds objectionable, but has broadly condemned the reporting as a distortion of facts.
(Editorial with news agencies)
